Nomenclature of Archaeopteryx: Misunderstandings and solution | ZurArchaeopteryx-Nomenklatur: Missverständnisse und Lösung
2002
Bühler, Paul | Bock, Walter J.
The generally accepted nameArchaeopteryx lithographica von Meyer, 1861, for the ancient feathered birds from the Solnhofen limestones has been the subject of a number of nomenclatural analyses, terminating in two decisions by the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature to conserve this name. Overlooked in these decisions was the determination of the type specimen for this binomen. A strong difference of opinion exists on whether the first found isolated feather impression or the London specimen of a feathered skeleton is the holotype. We conclude that the isolated feather impression (main slab in Berlin and counterslab in Munich) is the holotype ofArchaeopteryx lithographica von Meyer, 1861. This isolated feather cannot be identified with certainty to any generic taxa and/or any specific taxa containing any of the Solnhofen feathered skeletons; hence the nameArchaeopteryx lithographica would be a nomen dubium and cannot serve as the valid name for any generic or specific taxa containing the feathered skeletons. Resolution of this nomenclatural problem can be achieved by requesting the ICZN to set aside the isolated feather impression as the holotype and to declare the London specimen as the neotype, which we have done in a separate application to the ICZN.
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