Re: In defense of Marsh and Cope (was Roewer award for Bad Taxonomy)

[DinoBoyGraphics@aol.com]

I have to agree with Dr. Carpenter.  The other day a class I lead was 
discussing the origin of primates, and their conclusion was that the fossil 
record "was just too poor to tell."  The problem with this aditude is that 
throwing our hands up in the air and admitting defeat slows the progress of 
science.  Easly models (e.g. of primate origins) provides a framework for 
future research, and makes imlicit predictions about biogeography, temporal 
range, etc.  While we should obviously strive to not make mistakes, we also 
have to accept that the lack of data (in any field, not just paleontology) will 
always render our findings subjects to future revision.  Cope and Marsh 
uncovered a wealth of data, and provided the taxonomic framework that guided 
future paleontologists for decades to come.  The fact that much of their work 
has been revised in no way diminishes their accomplishments.  Scientists (and 
aspiring scientists) of all people should appreciate the contexual nature of 
know!
 le!
dge at any given time in a field's history.  


Scott Hartman
Zoology & Physiology
University of Wyoming
Laramie, WY 82070

(307) 742-3799