Which global authority is highlighted for documenting historical synonyms alongside the accepted binomial nomenclature?
World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS)
The World Register of Marine Species, known by the acronym WoRMS, is presented as an authority whose role is crucial in maintaining global taxonomic consistency by typically listing one accepted scientific name while thoroughly documenting the historical synonyms associated with that species. Synonyms frequently arise from historical descriptions made before standardized global communication, or due to reclassifications based on new data. For *Diomedea exulans*, verifying nomenclature against WoRMS ensures researchers avoid confusion stemming from older literature. While Avibase also plays a role, particularly concerning subspecies detail, WoRMS serves as a key standard for tracking accepted marine taxonomy and its historical naming variations.
