Sensu lato

Sensu Lato

Sensu lato, often abbreviated as "s.l.", is a Latin term used in biological classification to indicate a broad or general sense of a taxonomic group. It is used to describe a group that includes a wide range of organisms that may not all be closely related but are grouped together for convenience or historical reasons. This term is often contrasted with "sensu stricto" (s.s.), which refers to a more narrowly defined group.

Etymology

The term "sensu lato" translates to "in the broad sense" from Latin. It is commonly used in scientific literature to clarify the scope of a taxonomic group when there is ambiguity or when different interpretations exist.

Usage in Taxonomy

In taxonomy, "sensu lato" is used to indicate that a particular taxon is being considered in a broad sense, encompassing a wide range of species or subspecies. This is particularly useful when there is ongoing debate or uncertainty about the precise boundaries of a taxon.

For example, the genus *Canis* sensu lato might include all species commonly referred to as "dogs," including wolves, coyotes, and domestic dogs, whereas *Canis* sensu stricto might refer only to the domestic dog.

Examples

- Fungi: The term "Aspergillus sensu lato" refers to a broad group of fungi that includes many species, some of which are not closely related but share similar morphological characteristics. - Plants: The family *Rosaceae* sensu lato includes a wide range of plants, from roses to strawberries, that are grouped together based on certain shared features.

Importance in Scientific Communication

Using "sensu lato" helps scientists communicate more effectively by specifying the scope of their discussion. It allows for clarity when discussing groups that may have varying definitions in different contexts or studies.

Also see

- Sensu stricto - Taxonomy - Phylogenetics - Cladistics

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