What classification process was officially suppressed in 1984 concerning the whale shark's naming?
Answer
The generic variation *Rhiniodon* in favor of Genus *Rhincodon*
Scientific nomenclature undergoes periodic standardization to ensure global consistency in classification. In the case of the whale shark, a specific taxonomic refinement occurred in 1984 regarding its genus name. At that time, the generic variation previously sometimes used, *Rhiniodon*, was officially suppressed by scientific consensus. This action confirmed that the correct and standardized genus designation moving forward is *Rhincodon*. Similarly, the family name was standardized to Family Rhincodontidae, streamlining the nomenclature for this unique species.
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