Re: Scipionyx

["Tim Williams" <twilliams_alpha@hotmail.com>]

Larry Dunn <recalcitrant_hen@yahoo.com> wrote:

> What is the present status of _Scipionyx_ (besides extinct, of course)?
>
> Is the name used generally used to describe what is an unidentifiable 
> juvenile theropod of some sort or
> another, or is it in fact considered to be a bona fide genus in its own 
> right?

_Scipionyx samniticus_ is a valid taxon.

> If so, how is it possible to determine that?

The type specimen of  _Sciponyx samniticus_ exhibits unique characters that 
allow for the diagnosis of a new genus and species of dinosaur.  This is 
what's done for every valid genus and species of dinosaur (or life-form in 
general, living and extinct).  The fact that the specimen in the case of 
_Scipionyx_ is a hatchling does not preclude it from being a valid genus.



Tim

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