Message 2004-10-0152: Re: Monotypic genera and the PhyloCode

Sat, 25 Sep 2004 12:43:09 +0200

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Date: Sat, 25 Sep 2004 12:43:09 +0200
From: [unknown]
To: DML <dinosaur@usc.edu>
Cc: PML <phylocode@ouvaxa.cats.ohiou.edu>
Subject: Re: Monotypic genera and the PhyloCode

> 1) For species in genera that are always considered monotypic
(Afrovenator,
> Nothronychus), we have the opportunity to retain the more familiar =
generic
> tag for the species, so do it.
> 2) For species in genera that are sometimes considered junior synon=
yms,
but
> are still well-known to the community (Tarbosaurus, Suchomimus), us=
e the
> generic names. Everyone will know what you are talking about anyway=
, and
> this will also free up the name of the senior synonym (Tyrannosauru=
s,
> Baryonyx) to be used for its type species.
> 3) For species in genera that are never monotypic (Psittacosaurus,
> Diplodocus), the genus name will be retained as the name of a clade=
, so
you
> have to use the specific epithet anyway.

In short... generic names should refer to the smallest possible clade=
 that
historical usage allows, and species should only be converted when th=
ere are
several in such a minimalistic genus? ... That's a good idea, IMHO --=
=20
especially considering the fact that by far most species criteria are=
 not
applicable to by far most fossils...


  

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