Linneaus (probably) not valid type of Homo sapiens

[Tom Holtz <tholtz@geochange.er.usgs.gov>]

>I have now received a reference stating that Linnaeus is the
>Lectotype of  *Homo sapiens* (Stearn, WT 1959, Systematic Zool
>8:4-22 amongst others).  So Cope is not the Lectotype of *Homo
>sapiens* and never will be.

Unless Linneaus was accessioned (rather than buried), he cannot remain the
type.  I imagine Bakker's main argument will be "since the lectotype (Carl
Linne') has been destroyed [since a burial plot or tomb do not make good
specimen storage space...], Cope will be made the neotype of Homo sapiens."

As a Yale man, I'm not to keen on E.D. Cope as the type of the species, but
Bakker may have a valid (albiet weird) argument.

                                
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.