Comments on the proposed conservation of usage of Archaeopteryx lithographica von Meyer, 1861 (Aves) by designation of a neotype 2

We support Bock & Bühler’s proposal to set aside the holotype specimen of Archaeopteryx lithographica von
Meyer, 1861 and to conserve this name by designating specimen BMNH
37001 in the Natural History Museum (the ‘London specimen’) as the
neotype. We echo the comments in this regard made by Barrett &
Milner (BZN 64: 261–262) and add our opinion that,
while a name is a useful tool, where usage is extensive, common sense
is more important than hermetic bureaucracy. Vertebrate
palaeontologists have for years effectively treated ‘the London
specimen’ as the type of Archaeopteryx lithographica von
Meyer, 1861; in any case it will likely never be possible to
confidently determine whether the isolated feather (the current
‘holotype’ of this taxon) pertains to the same species. The Commission
should make the sensible decision in this case.