What Can We Learn from the Linnaean Name Selection for Amphibians and Reptiles? An Assessment of Amphibia by Carl Linnaeus

Binominal nomenclature is taken for granted now, but preceding Carl Linnaeus this was not the case. Here, we review the rules set by Linnaeus towards genus names, descriptive specific names (polynomina), and trivial names, or epithets. The evaluation of the application his naming theory in practice is carried out by reviewing the names he coined for the class Amphibia, the presently known amphibians and reptiles. In addition, we review the origin of the names and compare the nomenclatural acts (e.g., selection of the source, renaming) connected to Amphibia names with a previous assessment on his plant names performed by Choate. By providing an overview of the trends in the present naming practices, we reflect on the long-lasting nature of the Linnaean etymology and use of names primarily based on morphology, ecology and geography, thus directly linked to the species. We itemize the 222 available Amphibia names in Systema Naturae, Ed. 10 (Linnaeus, 1758) and after 1758, discussing their origin and historical sources of information used by Linnaeus.