Colonial naming conventions in taxonomy reveal systemic bias: first-name eponyms reflect power imbalances in species classification
Original framing: “Terms of endearment? Bias in first-name eponyms for species named after people” — Nature
The colonial-era taxonomic tradition of naming species after European explorers and scientists reflects a broader pattern of erasing Indigenous knowledge. Linnaean taxonomy, while foundational, was built on extractive practices that prioritized Western narratives. This historical precedent shows how scientific naming conventions perpetuate power imbalances.
The bias in first-name eponyms for species names is not a trivial linguistic quirk but a symptom of deeper colonial and patriarchal structures in science.
Historically, taxonomic practices were shaped by European explorers who named species after themselves or their patrons, erasing Indigenous knowledge systems like the Māori *whakapapa* or African *ubuntu*. This systemic issue is perpetuated by Western institutions like *Nature* and taxonomic bodies, which frame the problem as a curiosity rather than a structural injustice. The solution lies in decolonizing taxonomy through participatory naming, gender-inclusive eponyms, and the integration of Indigenous knowledge—moving beyond the trickster’s subversion to build a more equitable scientific future. Actors like the *Global Biodiversity Information Facility* and Indigenous-led organizations must lead this transformation, ensuring that species names reflect ecological realities rather than colonial power.