The Fascinating History Behind Brontosaurus and Apatosaurus

The names Brontosaurus and Apatosaurus both refer to the same dinosaur, a fascinating story that involves scientific nomenclature rules, rivalry, and the science of paleontology. Understanding the context behind these differing names requires a deep dive into the history of paleontology and the individuals who discovered and named these incredible prehistoric creatures.

Naming Species in Paleontology

When it comes to naming a species, biologists have established a set of rules to avoid confusion, especially when multiple researchers are discussing the same organism. The rule is that the first name used in a scientific journal is the one that must be adhered to. Successive names are considered "junior synonyms" and are set aside.

The Bone Wars – A Competitive Era in Paleontology

The late 1800s in the United States saw an intense competition among paleontologists, particularly Edward Drinker Cope and Othniel Charles Marsh. These rival scientists, who initially collaborated, soon became fierce competitors.

The Bone Wars was a term coined to describe the intense competition between Cope and Marsh, who hired expeditions to find and name dinosaur fossils in the American West. Their rivalry was fueled by the desire to name the most species of dinosaurs. Both men resorted to unscrupulous tactics in their quest to outdo one another.

Alien to Popular Culture: Brontosaurus and Apatosaurus

In 1879, Marsh's team discovered a nearly complete dinosaur skeleton, but lacking a head, he named it Brontosaurus excelsus. Two years earlier, in 1877, Marsh had already named a similar discovery as Apatosaurus ajax.

Resolving the Naming Dispute

In 1903, paleontologist Elmer Riggs argued that the Apatosaurus and Brontosaurus specimens should be considered the same species. According to the first-naming rule, since Apatosaurus was described first, Brontosaurus was considered a junior synonym. However, Brontosaurus had gained significant public recognition and popularity. The name stuck in the public consciousness, and the scientific community largely avoided using it for decades.

The Scientific Regaining of Brontosaurus

It was not until the 1970s, with a renewed interest in dinosaurs, that the scientific preference for Apatosaurus reasserted itself. More recent studies, however, have indicated that the Brontosaurus specimens are distinct enough to warrant using the name Brontosaurus again. This has brought the name back into scientific use and public awareness.

Conclusion

The story of Brontosaurus and Apatosaurus is a testament to the complexities of the scientific naming process and the impact of personal rivalry. The tales of Cope and Marsh, and their work during the Bone Wars, remind us how passionate and sometimes competitive the pursuit of scientific knowledge can be. It also highlights the importance of adhering to established scientific rules, such as the rules of nomenclature, and the changing nature of scientific understanding and recognition.