Re: Species [ was: Re: Hadrosaur nomenclature]

["Jonathan R. Wagner" <jonathan.r.wagner@mail.utexas.edu>]

Randall Irmis wrote:

> I think we both agree that something needs to be
> done about diagnosing species in paleontology.  So, instead of arguing the
> fine points, how can we remedy the situation  (whether or not we get rid
of
> genus level nomenclature)?

    I feel the obvious starting point, which has been done to some extent
already, is to assess variation within large samples of dinosaurs that
appear to form species or groups of species, and compare it to the range and
patterns of variation seen in modern forms. It is also important to
understand the actual mechanisms behind and interpretation of variation
observed in modern species, including ontogenetic, geographic, sexual, and
individual variation. Although it may result in some circularity in later
analysis, certainly data on geography, stratigraphy, taphonomy, and other
non-morphological data may suggest species groupings, or can be used to test
morphology-based species assignments. This is, of course, a sort of "boot
strap" approach, but it is the best we have. Anyway, sorry to be so vague.
I'd like to explore this issue more on line, but I probably should get back
to work. :) Actually, in what appears to be a shocking coincidence, my
doctoral project may revolve around just this issue. So, hopefully, I will
have something more concrete and detailed to say on this subject at some
point in the future.

    :)

    Wagner

Jonathan R. Wagner
9617 Great Hills Trail #1414
Austin, TX 78759