Wikipedia:Notability (natural sciences)

In all natural sciences, the inclusion of references for all information is of prime importance due to the fact that the accuracy of the information may easily be cast into doubt. Even when a topic is described as being inherently notable, it is especially important that all facts are backed up with reliable sources. The use of primary sources in order to verify information is valued due to the high rate of accuracy.

General guideline

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  • Naturally occurring objects that belong in one or more scientific categories are notable. All information shall be sourced, especially because the accuracy can be cast into doubt without reliable sources.
  • Naturally occurring scientific concepts are notable. All information shall be sourced, especially because the accuracy can be cast into doubt without reliable sources.
  • Manmade scientific objects are notable if they meet Wikipedia notability guidelines.


Biology

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Living things

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  • All species of animal, plant, fungus, and microorganisms (including bacteria, viruses, and protozoa) are notable.
    • Individual versions of a particular species shall be written about within the article about the species unless there is plenty of sourced information about that version (example: poodle is a separate article from dog). This include versions of a particular microbe, including various strains.

Anatomy and physiology

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  • Bones, organs, and systems within human, animal, or plant bodies are notable. Those that are common to multiple species shall be described in a single article unless there is something unique about it within a particular species that merits a separate article.
  • Parts of cell structure are notable
  • Biological processes are notable

Health and medicine

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  • Diseases that have been officially diagnosed in one or more humans, animals, or plants are notable.
  • Drugs (prescription and non-prescription) that are or at one time were available on the market are notable. All drug articles should be titled under the generic name with all brands redirecting there unless the brand has notability of its own.
    • Drugs in testing and yet to be released to the public are notable if they have received coverage in multiple reliable sources.
  • Medical equipment that is currently used or at one time was used in patient care is notable.

Chemistry

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  • All elements (natural and manmade) are notable.
  • Naturally occurring compounds are notable.
  • Manmade compounds are notable if there is plenty of sourced information about that compound.

Geology

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  • All rocks and minerals naturally found within the earth are notable. Versions of any rock or mineral shall be described within the article on their respective rocks/minerals unless there is enough sourced information to write an article of its own (for example, emerald is a separate article from beryl).

Astronomy

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Space bodies

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  • Types of space bodies are notable
  • Named space bodies (given a name versus a number) are notable
    • Unnamed space bodies and groups of bodies or those named only by a number shall be described in an article about a larger named group they are contained within unless there are plenty of reliable sources thereby ascribing special notability to that body or group.