Re: Tsaagan mangas - new dromaeosaurid from Mongolia

[Dann Pigdon <dannj@alphalink.com.au>]

Jamie Stearns writes: 

> I'm just as much for being "multicultural" or whatever as anyone else, but 
> I think this critter's reached the "name is too goofy for its own good" 
> point. It just seems that the traditional foundation of using Greek and 
> Latin for scientific naming is being virtually tossed out the window with 
> the new dinosaur discoveries from far-off lands.

There are only so many Greek and Latin terms that can be used before names 
start to get overly complex (Opisthocoelocaudia springs to mind - and gives 
me a headache while doing so). 

Besides - the tradition of using Greek or Latin words in scientific names is 
a European one. Why should non-European countries be forced to use foreign 
naming conventions? For that matter, I'm sure the name certainly doesn't 
sound 'goofy' to a Mongolian. 

I say bring on more Minmis, Khaans, and Tsaagans. 

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Dann Pigdon
GIS / Archaeologist         http://www.geocities.com/dannsdinosaurs
Melbourne, Australia        http://heretichides.soffiles.com
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