Natural History

Why Do Scientists Keep Naming New Species After Pop Culture Characters?

Pop Culture in Scientific Naming: A Growing Trend

In the realm of science, a peculiar trend has emerged: scientists are increasingly naming newly discovered species after characters from movies, music, and TV shows. From ferns named after Lady Gaga to microbes named after sci-fi monsters, pop culture references are becoming commonplace in scientific nomenclature.

Why the Trend?

David Roy Smith, a scientist at the University of Western Ontario, believes that this trend is driven by a desire to make scientific discoveries more accessible and engaging to the general public. By using familiar and beloved characters, scientists hope to capture attention and spark interest in their research.

Benefits of Pop Culture References

Using pop culture references in scientific naming can have several benefits:

• Increased media attention: Mainstream press outlets are more likely to cover scientific discoveries with catchy or humorous names, which can lead to wider public awareness and increased funding opportunities.
• Enhanced citations: Scientists who use pop culture references in their research may receive more citations from other scientists who are drawn to the novelty and memorability of the names.
• Public engagement: Pop culture references can make science more relatable and enjoyable for non-scientists, fostering a sense of connection and appreciation for scientific research.

Critics’ Concerns

While many scientists embrace the use of pop culture references in naming, some critics raise concerns:

• Distraction from scientific significance: Critics argue that using pop culture references can overshadow the actual scientific discoveries and detract from the seriousness of the research.
• Temporary relevance: Pop culture references can become dated or forgotten over time, making the scientific names they inspire less meaningful or even confusing.
• Potential bias: Some critics worry that the use of pop culture references could introduce bias into scientific naming, with scientists favoring names that appeal to their own personal interests or preferences.

Balancing the Benefits and Drawbacks

To ensure that the benefits of using pop culture references in scientific naming outweigh the drawbacks, it is important to strike a balance. Scientists should use references that are:

• Relevant to the discovery: The reference should have some connection to the characteristics or traits of the species being named.
• Timeless: The reference should be likely to remain relevant and meaningful for decades or even centuries to come.
• Appropriate: The reference should be respectful and not offensive or inappropriate for the scientific community.

Examples of Effective Pop Culture References

The following examples illustrate how pop culture references can be used effectively in scientific naming:

• Cthulhu macrofasciculumque: This protist species was named after H.P. Lovecraft’s legendary monster due to its tentacle-like head and octopus-like movements.
• Bazinga rieki: This jellyfish species was named after the catch phrase from the TV show “The Big Bang Theory” because it resembles a glowing orb.
• Euglossa bazinga: This bee species was named after the same catch phrase due to its unique mating dance.

Historical Context: Planets and Gods

The practice of naming scientific discoveries after cultural icons has a long history. The ancient Greeks named the planets after their gods, such as Mars (god of war) and Venus (goddess of love). While the original meanings of these names may have been lost over time, they serve as a reminder that pop culture references can become deeply ingrained in our scientific vocabulary.

The Future of Pop Culture References in Scientific Naming

As science continues to evolve, the use of pop culture references in naming is likely to continue. By carefully considering the benefits and drawbacks, scientists can harness the power of pop culture to make their discoveries more accessible, engaging, and enduring.