Holotype

Naming a New Species

  • When naming a new species, several critical components must be included:

    • Description: A thorough account of what is being named and how it differs from closely related species.

    • Unique Features: List unique characteristics that differentiate the organism from others. Such features could include:

      • Specific coloration

      • Limb length

      • Unique horn shapes

Holotype

  • It is essential to designate a holotype which is defined as:

    • The single specimen selected to represent the species.

    • This specimen becomes the standard reference for identification of that species by other scientists.

    • Example: For dinosaur species, the holotype could be a single fossil.

  • Importance of Holotype Location:

    • The holotype must be accessible, enabling other paleontologists to verify species identification of newly discovered specimens.

    • Ensures that others can determine whether new finds are holotypes or exemplars of already described species.

  • Additional specimens can also be designated under different terms:

    • Paratype: An additional specimen related to the holotype.

    • Leptotype: A further classification for clarifying species identification in specific contexts.

  • Access to Specimens:

    • The necessity of putting dinosaur bones in museums is emphasized:

    • Museums serve as repositories for specimens that impact the research community over centuries.

    • Continuous discoveries of new fossils underscore the importance of proper storage in accessible locations.

Dinosaur Species Naming Statistics

  • A question is posed about how many species of non-avian dinosaurs have been named thus far. The options include:

    • 5,100

    • 1,000

    • 10,000

  • Current Estimate: Approximately 1,000 species of dinosaurs have been named and this number continually evolves with ongoing discoveries.

  • Example: In 2012 alone, around 30 new dinosaur species were identified, averaging more than one new species every two weeks.

Case Study: Hesperonychus

  • Hesperonychus: A relatively new dinosaur species named at the University of Alberta.

    • Description:

    • It is a small carnivorous dinosaur, comparable in size to a chicken.

    • Discovered in Dinosaur Provincial Park.

    • Holotype Specimen: The holotype consists of a pelvis, which is stored in the collections for research purposes.

    • Notably, most dinosaur species are derived from partial skeletons due to the rarity of complete finds.

  • Unique Characteristics of Hesperonychus:

    • Adult Status: Indicators such as the fusion of the ileum and pubis suggest maturity.

    • Size Comparison: Other small theropods from the same area are considerably larger, suggesting Hesperonychus is a new species.

    • Distinguishing Features: Unique hip characteristics, such as a split in the shelf on the ilium, further confirm its identity.

  • Nomenclature:

    • The species was named Hesperonychus elizabethae:

    • The genus name "Hesperonychus" translates to "western claw," signifying its notable claw.

    • The species epithet "elizabethae" honors Doctor Betsy Nichols, the original discoverer of the fossil.

  • Publication Process:

    • After thorough examination and description, the findings were submitted to a scientific journal.

    • Peer review involved other paleontologists providing suggestions for improvement.

    • Following consensus on the identification, the manuscript was published, solidifying the species' name in the scientific community.

Characteristics for Species Classification

  • The final discussion addresses essential characteristics for distinguishing between organisms:

    • Options considered include:

    • Presence or absence of antlers

    • Number of fingers on the hand

    • Color of skin or feathers

    • Length of limbs

    • Most Reliable Characteristic: The number of fingers on the hand is deemed the most dependable feature for species classification.

    • Example: Although some individuals, including horses and humans, may exhibit variations (e.g., extra toes or fingers), this characteristic remains largely consistent within species.