Hi Sally The simplest definition I could give (without going into detail of representation) would be a scientific name as defined in a particular publication. For example, Utricularia foliosa L. As defined in: Taylor, P. 1989. The Genus Urticularia: A Taxonomic Monograph. Kew Bulletin Additional Series XIV. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. London. The important issue being that the name is directly associated to at least one and only one definition i.e. that where it was defined - unless of course the database is capturing a new(revised) definition of a concept in which case I would hope that it contain a good unambiguous description of the concept as they see it - otherwise they should refer to a defined concept they agree with) Jessie

-----Original Message----- From: Taxonomic Databases Working Group GUID Project [mailto:TDWG- GUID@LISTSERV.NHM.KU.EDU] On Behalf Of Sally Hinchcliffe Sent: 04 November 2005 16:26 To: TDWG-GUID@LISTSERV.NHM.KU.EDU Subject: simple explanation of a taxon concept

Hi all, can any of you people point me towards a web resource where one of our data managers (specialising in economic botany) can have this question answered:

I must admit I'm not altogether sure what is meant by the term taxon "concepts" (is there a simple explanation?)

I'm circulating Donald's questions around the various Kew staff who are involved in databases and some of them for some reason don't seem to have kept up with the recent fevered debate on TCS-LC and other fora

Thanks *** Sally Hinchcliffe *** Computer section, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew *** tel: +44 (0)20 8332 5708 *** S.Hinchcliffe@rbgkew.org.uk This message is intended for the addressee(s) only and should not be read, copied or disclosed to anyone else outwith the University without the permission of the sender. It is your responsibility to ensure that this message and any attachments are scanned for viruses or other defects. Napier University does not accept liability for any loss or damage which may result from this email or any attachment, or for errors or omissions arising after it was sent. Email is not a secure medium. Email entering the University's system is subject to routine monitoring and filtering by the University.