Scientific American is reporting on a growing trend among field biologists. When they discover a new species they sell the right to name it [Name that species--After yourself, Purdue auction suggests].
Naming your kid after you is one thing. But imagine if an entire species were named for you.In the ongoing battle between splitters and lumpers, you can bet that the splitters are going to gain the upper hand if they can earn so much money by creating a new species.
This week, Purdue University is auctioning off the rights to name seven newly discovered bats and two turtles, the Associated Press is reporting. The winners — who will shell out a minimum of $250,000 for at least one of the bats, a Purdue spokesman told ScientificAmerican.com — can link their own name or that of a pal to the animal’s scientific name.
"Unlike naming a building or something like that, this is much more permanent. This will last as long as we have our society," John Bickham, who co-discovered the nine species, told the AP.
2 comments :
I wish I had $250,000 for a vanity species.
In the ongoing battle between splitters and lumpers, you can bet that the splitters are going to gain the upper hand if they can earn so much money by creating a new species.
Not if one lump is valued higher than the sum of the splits!
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