Since it may seem like an obscure topic, Chris supplied us with a little more info on the presentation he'll share on Saturday:
Adventures in Etymology
Etymology is the study of the origin of words and how their meanings have changed throughout history. Every plant and animal known to science has been given a two-part (genus + species) scientific name consisting of Latin or latinized words. What do these names mean? How are they formed? What can they tell us about the organism being named and the biologist who named it? Christopher Scharpf, creator of The ETYFish Project (etyfish.org), has been studying the names of fishes since 2009. His presentation “Adventures in Etymology” explores and celebrates the diversity of fishes through the diversity of their names. He also reports on some of the etymological discoveries he has made. For example, the genus name of the Swordtail, Xiphophorus, meaning “sword-bearer,” may not actually refer to its sword-like tail. The Clownfish is inexplicably named for an eye-like spot (ocellaris) it does not possess. And the name of the angelfish (scalare) refers, oddly enough, to a ladder or flight of stairs. The reasons why? Attend “Adventures in Etymology” and learn the fascinating stories behind these and many other fishy names.
Since it may seem like an obscure topic, Chris supplied us with a little more info on the presentation he'll share on Saturday:
Adventures in Etymology
Etymology is the study of the origin of words and how their meanings have changed throughout history. Every plant and animal known to science has been given a two-part (genus + species) scientific name consisting of Latin or latinized words. What do these names mean? How are they formed? What can they tell us about the organism being named and the biologist who named it? Christopher Scharpf, creator of The ETYFish Project (etyfish.org), has been studying the names of fishes since 2009. His presentation “Adventures in Etymology” explores and celebrates the diversity of fishes through the diversity of their names. He also reports on some of the etymological discoveries he has made. For example, the genus name of the Swordtail, Xiphophorus, meaning “sword-bearer,” may not actually refer to its sword-like tail. The Clownfish is inexplicably named for an eye-like spot (ocellaris) it does not possess. And the name of the angelfish (scalare) refers, oddly enough, to a ladder or flight of stairs. The reasons why? Attend “Adventures in Etymology” and learn the fascinating stories behind these and many other fishy names.