Which historical synonym was applied to what is now recognized as *Thunnus albacares*?
Answer
Neothunnus macropterus
The text explicitly lists *Neothunnus macropterus* as a synonym previously applied to the species now universally recognized as *Thunnus albacares*. Such synonyms are critical for interpreting older scientific literature because taxonomic understanding evolves, often due to refinements in morphology or the introduction of modern genetic tools. While *Thynnus albacares* was the name used in its initial scientific description by Cuvier in 1832, *Neothunnus macropterus* is presented as an alternative name used over time before the current binomial nomenclature stabilized. *Thunnus thynnus* is the Atlantic Bluefin, and *Katsuwonus pelamis* is the Skipjack.
Related Questions
What class defines the Yellowfin Tuna, *Thunnus albacares*, by its fin structure?Which family groups the Yellowfin Tuna with mackerels and bonitos?What physiological adaptation primarily defines membership within the Genus *Thunnus*?What is the approximate Latin translation of the Yellowfin Tuna species name *albacares*?What feature characterizes membership in Phylum Chordata for *T. albacares* during development?What distinguishes the placement of *T. albacares* within the Order Perciformes?Which historical synonym was applied to what is now recognized as *Thunnus albacares*?What criteria define membership in Kingdom Animalia for the Yellowfin Tuna?What morphological feature helps distinguish *T. albacares* from a Skipjack (*Katsuwonus pelamis*) for regulatory use?How is the global distribution of *Thunnus albacares* generally described in relation to water temperature zones?