Re: layperson

["Thomas R. Holtz, Jr." <th81@umail.umd.edu>]

At 03:25 AM 8/24/97 -0400, Jason wrote:

>I wouldn't go that far.  but most animals have a common name and a scientific
>name.  Scientists decide the scientific names, we decide the common ones.

Actually, the vast majority of animals (terrestrial or marine) do NOT have
common names!!  Basically, common or spectacular molluscs, insects, and
vertebrates have common names.  Non-spectacular or rare members of these
taxa, as well as forms living in hard to reach environments, and whole
clades of non-mollusc, non-insect invertebrates lack common names.

Just a thought (getting geared up to teach invert paleo next week...)

Thomas R. Holtz, Jr.
Vertebrate Paleontologist     Webpage: http://www.geol.umd.edu
Dept. of Geology              Email:th81@umail.umd.edu
University of Maryland        Phone:301-405-4084
College Park, MD  20742       Fax:  301-314-9661