The Principle of Priority

The Principle of Priority is a rule in scientific naming that states the earliest valid name given to a species or genus should be accepted as the correct one. When multiple names are proposed for the same organism, the oldest name—recognized by date—takes precedence, ensuring consistency and stability in scientific communication. This principle helps prevent confusion and ensures that each species has a single, universally recognized name. It is fundamental in taxonomy to maintain order as new discoveries are made and names are assigned.