What synonym, used by Cope in the 1870s, was eventually superseded by Xiphactinus?
Answer
Portheus
Historical confusion surrounding the nomenclature of this ancient predator resulted in specimens being assigned various provisional names before stabilization. Cope, during the 1870s, assigned specimens that are now classified under *Xiphactinus* to the genus name *Portheus*. This created a period of synonymy instability. Ultimately, the name *Xiphactinus* was recognized as the senior synonym, meaning it had priority, based on Leidy's earlier 1870 naming, leading to *Portheus* being discarded for systematic purposes in 1898.
Related Questions
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