Re: Most popular/common dinosaur misconceptions

[Tim Williams <twilliams_alpha@hotmail.com>]

Jeff Hecht wrote:

> And if you want to look at the public messiness of redefinition of 
> scientific concepts, go read what's happening with astronomers' efforts to 
> redefine what is a planet.

I like this analogy; but I would interpret it in a positive way.  I think 
the IAU is (bravely) trying to correct the public misconception of what is 
and what is not a 'planet'.  Unlike a star, there is currently no 
*scientific* definition of what a planet is.  If Pluto is a planet, why not 
Charon, or Ceres, or UB313?   The IAU has proposed a definition that is as 
scientific as possible, incorporating as much physical concepts as possible. 
 Yes, the public will be confused as to what a planet is - but they already 
are confused.  The scientific community is trying to provide guidance; but 
the public has to be willing to listen, and to be guided.

Similarly, how can we seriously claim that _Microraptor_ and _Caudipteryx_ 
are dinosaurs but not birds, and that _Archaeopteryx_ and _Jeholornis_ are 
birds but not dinosaurs?  Tom hit the nail right on the head.

Cheers

Tim