Why was the otter named Maxwell's otter?

Understand the Problem

The question asks about the reason behind the name "Maxwell's otter". This requires finding information about a specific otter and the origin of its name, which likely involves historical context or a specific person named Maxwell.

Answer

The otter was identified as a new subspecies and named after Maxwell.

The otter was named 'Maxwell's otter' because zoologists identified it as a previously unknown subspecies of smooth-coated otter. They named it Lutrogale perspicillata maxwelli after Maxwell to honor him.

Answer for screen readers

The otter was named 'Maxwell's otter' because zoologists identified it as a previously unknown subspecies of smooth-coated otter. They named it Lutrogale perspicillata maxwelli after Maxwell to honor him.

More Information

The scientific community uses binomial nomenclature to assign a two-part formal name to species. In this case, Lutrogale perspicillata is the species, and maxwelli denotes the subspecies, named after the person who discovered it.

Tips

A common mistake is thinking Maxwell named the otter himself. The zoologists named it after him.

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