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Re: Rioarribasaurus vs. Coelophysis



>Speaking of the name controversy, what *is* the current "paleontologically
>correct" nomenclature for this dino? I'm compiling a dinosaur manual for the
>American Museum of Natural History (it's intended for school groups and the
>like) and have no idea which name to list it under. I'm on the verge of just
>duplicating the sketch and profile under both names...=P (Unfortunately, I
>can't say "Rioarribasaurus -- see Coelophysis" (or vice versa) because the
>booklet has to be comprised of individual pages for kids who write in asking
>about one particular animal)

The currently proper name is *not settled*.  The case is yet to be
resolved.  If you need a name before the ICZN rules on the case, I suggest
that you ask Mark Norell (as the AMNH's dinosaur person) for his opinion on
the subject.

>
>Say, I'd appreciate it if anyone has any suggestions here -- I've tried to do
>a sketch/profile for each of the more popular and commonly asked-about
>species. If anyone can think of animals that I've missed but should really
>include, though, I'd appreciate any suggestions. So far, I have: Allosaurus,
>Apatosaurus, Baryonyx, Brachiosaurus, Coelophysis/Rioarribasaurus,
>Deinonychus, Dilophosaurus, Gallimimus, Oviraptor, Parasaurolophus,
>Protoceratops, Stegosaurus, Triceratops, Tyrannosaurus, Utahraptor, and
>Velociraptor. Possibles include Pachycephalosaurus and Ankylosaurus.
>
>Oh, one last query -- I know that Struthiomimus is believed to have been
>toothless, but did Gallimimus, for whom a more complete skull exists, have
>any teeth? I presume not, but I've found no reference to their presence or
>lack thus far...

Yes, all true members of the Ornithomimidae (Archaeornithomimus,
Anserimimus, Dromiceiomimus, Garudimimus, Ornithomimus, and Stuthiomimus)
are toothless.

Good luck with your book.

                                
Thomas R. Holtz, Jr.                                   
tholtz@geochange.er.usgs.gov
Vertebrate Paleontologist in Exile                  Phone:      703-648-5280
U.S. Geological Survey                                FAX:      703-648-5420
Branch of Paleontology & Stratigraphy
MS 970 National Center
Reston, VA  22092
U.S.A.