A Conversation for Dinosaurs - An Introduction
Not Maiasuarus
Apollyon - Grammar Fascist Started conversation Sep 12, 2006
The correct name is Maiasaura. This is because since its name means 'good mother lizard,' the term 'lizard' is in the feminine 'saura,' rather than the masculaine 'saurus.'
I now end my nitpickage.
Not Maiasuarus
Gnomon - time to move on Posted Sep 12, 2006
Hmm. I wonder. Scientists don't always follow the rules of language.
Not Maiasuarus
Galaxy Babe - eclectic editor Posted Sep 12, 2006
Every day's different, eh Gnomon?
Thank you
Not Maiasaurus
Bagpuss Posted Sep 12, 2006
Seeing as how the derivation of the name is from Greek, it seems a little odd that we have to apply Latin rules of gender. Ah well, you live and learn.
Not Maiasaurus
Gnomon - time to move on Posted Sep 12, 2006
That's what I was saying about scientists not following the rules of the language. For example -saurus should really be -sauros in Greek, but they've Latinised the ending. I think -a is a Greek ending, though. I'm not sure.
Not Maiasaurus
Bagpuss Posted Sep 12, 2006
I reckon they're using it because it's the Latin first declension feminine ending - taxonomic names tend to have Latin endings, whatever language they're derived from.
The only other feminine genus I can think of is Rosa (rose), though no doubt there's more.
Not Maiasaurus
Apollyon - Grammar Fascist Posted Sep 12, 2006
"For example -saurus should really be -sauros in Greek"
Interestingly, they did follow the rules for naming Ultrasauros.
Key: Complain about this post
Not Maiasuarus
- 1: Apollyon - Grammar Fascist (Sep 12, 2006)
- 2: Gnomon - time to move on (Sep 12, 2006)
- 3: Gnomon - time to move on (Sep 12, 2006)
- 4: Galaxy Babe - eclectic editor (Sep 12, 2006)
- 5: Bagpuss (Sep 12, 2006)
- 6: Gnomon - time to move on (Sep 12, 2006)
- 7: Bagpuss (Sep 12, 2006)
- 8: Apollyon - Grammar Fascist (Sep 12, 2006)
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