Tell me more ×
English Language & Usage Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for linguists, etymologists, and serious English language enthusiasts. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 6 down vote favorite

Should taxonomy terms such as Crustacea be capitalized? I think yes, but am unsure.

share|improve this question
The word Crustacea is a proper noun in English, yes. – tchrist Nov 29 '12 at 17:22

1 Answer

up vote 14 down vote accepted

It depends on which level of taxonomy that term is. For genus and higher, names are capitalized. Species and terms more specific than species (like variety and subspecies) are not capitalized.

Thus, for your example, Crustacea should be capitalized because it is a subphylum.

More details can be found here.

share|improve this answer
1  
"I don't eat mammals, but poultry." Does "mammals" need to be capitalized? – Blessed Geek Nov 29 '12 at 16:53
2  
@Blessed Geek The taxonomic name of the group of mammals is Mammalia. The former is not capitalized, the latter is. – Mark Beadles Nov 29 '12 at 16:55
4  
Moreover, genus and species (and subspecies, if any) are to be set in italic, but higher taxa should be set in roman. – tchrist Nov 29 '12 at 17:21
Upvote for proper plural of taxon by @tchrist. – Malvolio Nov 29 '12 at 21:49

Your Answer

 
discard

By posting your answer, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of service.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.