Re: New papers in Geobios (and nomenclatoral gripe)

[gerarus@westnet.com.au]

If the holotype is not diagnostic, a neotype can be designated to
replace it, but only via a decision by the ICZN. _Coelophysis bauri_
is one species where this has been done, but on the whole this
facility has not often been used.
    'Lectotype' refers to when a species was originally described
with a number of specimens as co-existing types ('syntypes'), and a
single specimen from this series is selected to be the sole type. I
think it is no longer possible to describe a new species with
multiple syntypes(can someone correct me if I'm wong here), but it
was not uncommon in the past.

    Cheers,

        Christopher Taylor

PS. Pedantic moment: It is still possible to describe a species with
multiple type specimens if forming a hapantotype (a type series
representing a growth series, or specimens from alternative
generations where they are distinct), but as that is an option only
used in relation to protozoa and such, it is hardly relevant here.

---- Original Message ----
From: cmchenry@westserv.net.au
To: qilongia@yahoo.com, dinosaur@usc.edu
Subject: Re: New papers in Geobios (and nomenclatoral gripe)
Date: Thu, 22 Jun 2006 22:24:43 +1000

>Jaime A. Headden wrote:
>
>>  So, if a type specimen is NOT viable for a species, if one is
>loathe to treat
>>it as a nomen dubium, one can redesignate the type to a more
>equitable
>>specimen. 
>>
>Exactly how does this work?  Do you redesignate to a lectotype (since
>
>the type is not lost)?  Or a neotype?
>
>Colin