The People’s Chiton: How the Internet Named a New Deep-Sea Species
In an unprecedented collaboration, a newly discovered deep-sea chiton has been officially named Ferreiraella populi – “of the people” – thanks to a viral naming contest orchestrated by the Senckenberg Ocean Species Alliance (SOSA), Pensoft Publishers and science YouTuber Ze Frank. The formal description of the species was published in the open-access Biodiversity Data Journal, marking a turning point in how new species are identified and recognized.
From YouTube Viral Video to Scientific Taxonomy
The journey began when Ze Frank featured the rare chiton, a marine mollusk with eight armored shell plates and a unique “iron-clad radula” (a rasping tongue), in his popular “True Facts” YouTube series. The video sparked immense public interest, leading to an invitation for viewers to propose a scientific name and justification. Within a week, over 8,000 suggestions flooded in via social media.
“We were overwhelmed by the response and the massive number of creative name suggestions!” said Prof. Dr. Julia Sigwart, co-chair of SOSA at the Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum Frankfurt. The winning name, Ferreiraella populi, was independently submitted by eleven different individuals, highlighting its resonance with the online community.
A Deep-Sea Specialist and the Importance of Rapid Identification
Ferreiraella populi was first discovered in 2024 in the Izu-Ogasawara Trench at a depth of 5,500 meters. This rare chiton belongs to the genus Ferreiraella, a group of mollusks uniquely adapted to living on sunken wood in the deep sea. Its discovery underscores the vast, largely unexplored biodiversity of the deep ocean.
The speed of this species’ identification is particularly noteworthy. Traditionally, it can capture a decade or more for a new species to be studied, described, named, and published. SOSA’s streamlined process, combined with public engagement, allowed Ferreiraella populi to be officially recognized just two years after its discovery. This rapid identification is crucial for conservation efforts, especially in the face of emerging threats like deep-sea mining.
The Future of Citizen Science in Taxonomy
This successful naming contest signals a potential shift towards greater public involvement in scientific research. While the traditional process of assigning scientific names adheres to strict rules – binomial nomenclature established by Carl Linnaeus, requiring unique, latinized names – the Ferreiraella populi example demonstrates the value of leveraging the collective intelligence and enthusiasm of the online community.
Other suggested names, like Ferreiraella stellacadens (“Shooting star chiton”) and Fereiraella ohmu (a reference to a creature from a Studio Ghibli film), illustrate the creativity and passion the public brought to the process. This approach could be replicated for other species, fostering a deeper connection between the public and the natural world.
The Race Against Time: Documenting Ocean Biodiversity
Many marine species, particularly invertebrates, disappear before they are even discovered. SOSA’s mission is to accelerate the process of species description and documentation, recognizing that time is of the essence. Engaging the public is a key component of this strategy.
Did you know? Chitons, often described as a mix between a snail and a beetle, possess eight separate shell plates, allowing them to curl into a protective ball or cling tightly to surfaces.
How Scientific Names Are Created
Scientific names consist of two parts: the genus (capitalized and italicized) and the specific epithet (lowercase and italicized). These names are assigned by the scientists who first describe the species and must adhere to international rules established by organizations like the ICZN (zoology) and the ICN (botany). Epithets are often derived from physical characteristics, locations, mythology, or to honor contributors to the field.
FAQ
Q: What is a chiton?
A: A chiton is a type of marine mollusk with eight shell plates.
Q: Where was Ferreiraella populi discovered?
A: It was discovered in the Izu-Ogasawara Trench at a depth of 5,500 meters.
Q: What does Ferreiraella populi mean?
A: It means “of the people” in Latin.
Q: Why is rapid species identification important?
A: It’s crucial for conservation efforts, especially given threats like deep-sea mining.
Pro Tip: Explore the Biodiversity Data Journal to learn more about newly discovered species and the research behind their identification: https://bdj.pensoft.net/
What other species should the public aid name? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
