Reply to Oren et al., “New Phylum Names Harmonize Prokaryotic Nomenclature”

Abstract

We thank Oren et al., 2022 (1) for providing the International Committee on Systematics of Prokaryotes (ICSP) Executive Board's response to the recent opinion piece “Harmonizing Prokaryotic Nomenclature: Fixing the Fuss over Phylum Name Flipping” (2). Herein, we (a group of concerned microbiologists) offer several additional comments on the naming of prokaryotic phyla. Our concerns arise from the perception that the ICSP Executive Board is not directly addressing the plight of microbiologists around the world concerning the long-lasting confusion that the proposed phylum name changes will create throughout the scientific literature. Instead of selectively pointing out certain ICSP rules, we would have appreciated opening a door for a more inclusive discussion about the process of naming phyla. As previously stated (2), we are in favor of the International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes (ICNP) rules for the recognition of the rank of “phylum” and the usage of “-ota” as the suffix for naming phyla. However, we feel that the drastic name changes of six phyla at the prefix level will create significant dissonance and confusion between the old and new names when considering past and future publications.