Unleashing The Secrets Of Informally Named Dinosaurs: A Retro Adventure
Have you ever heard of a dinosaur with a name like “Sue”, “Bucky”, or “Steggy”? As it turns out, these names are not only memorable but also have an interesting story behind them. Let’s take a retro adventure where we’ll unleash the secrets of informally named dinosaurs.
Dinosaurs discovered before the 19th century were named based on their physical features or the place they were discovered. This method soon changed as more and more fossils were discovered, leading to a formal naming system based on Latin words. But in recent years, paleontologists have started using informal, or “pet” names, for some dinosaurs. These names often have a backstory and provide insight into the passionate and creative nature of these scientists.
One of the most famous informally named dinosaurs is “Sue”, the largest, most complete, and best-preserved Tyrannosaurus rex specimen. The fossilised skeleton was discovered in 1990 in South Dakota by Sue Hendrickson, a fossil hunter. The dinosaur was named after her, and “Sue” is now on display at the Field Museum of Natural History in Illinois.
Another case is “Bucky”, a Triceratops skull found in the 1990s in Montana by a teenager named “Bucky” Derflinger. The skull was found on his family’s ranch and sold for 276,000 dollars to the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles. The skull is now a popular exhibit at the museum, named after its original discoverer.
Informally named dinosaurs can also have names that provide insight into their appearance. For example, the dinosaur nicknamed “Steggy” is a Stegosaurus and has a distinctive and impressive spiny plate on its back that resembles an Iron Age shield. The dinosaur was named after it, and “Steggy” conveys its unique identity and personality.
In conclusion, formal dinosaur names may seem boring, but informal dinosaur names can have fascinating stories behind them. These names provide insights into the creative spirit and colourful curiosity of paleontologists and help make dinosaurs more interesting, relevant, and enjoyable for everyone.
