The serious work of paleontology, involving uncovering and analyzing ancient remains, often contrasts sharply with the surprising creativity found in the names assigned to these prehistoric creatures. While the scientific process is rigorous, the official name given to a newly discovered dinosaur species can sometimes be delightfully bizarre or unexpectedly humorous. This blend of scientific structure and human ingenuity results in a fascinating catalog of names, ranging from the majestic to the utterly strange.
The Formal Rules of Dinosaur Naming
The naming of any new animal species, including dinosaurs, is governed by the strict guidelines of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN). This code mandates the use of binomial nomenclature, a two-part scientific name consisting of the genus and the species, typically derived from Latin or Greek. This system ensures every species has a unique, universally recognized identifier, preventing confusion from common names.
The genus name must be unique within the entire animal kingdom, while the species name distinguishes the organism within its genus. Scientists craft names that are formally correct, often describing a physical feature, the location of discovery, or honoring a person. Despite these constraints, the rules allow flexibility for researchers to embed clever references or vivid descriptions that can sound quite odd when translated.
Actual Examples of Unusual Dinosaur Names
The application of these rules has led to some truly memorable scientific names, many of which sound absurd to the casual reader. One notable example is Pantydraco, a bipedal Triassic dinosaur whose name appears comical but has a grounded origin. It was named after the Pant-y-ffynnon quarry in Wales where it was found, which translates to “Dragon of the Spring Valley” in Welsh.
Another name that often causes a chuckle is Irritator. Paleontologists studying the skull of this spinosaurid found that fossil collectors had inappropriately plastered and reconstructed the snout, requiring a frustrating effort to clean it up. The name Irritator therefore directly references the annoyance experienced by the scientists when preparing the specimen for study.
The species Drinker is a small ornithopod named after the famed 19th-century American paleontologist Edward Drinker Cope, a main figure in the “Bone Wars.” Its seemingly simple and humorous name is a direct tribute to a historical figure, even though it suggests an entirely different meaning in modern English.
Bambiraptor, a Late Cretaceous dromaeosaur, was named after the young deer from the classic 1942 Disney film, Bambi. The discovered skeleton was that of a juvenile, making the comparison to a young, iconic creature fitting, despite the dinosaur being a feathered predator.
Categorizing the Oddity: Why Names Get Weird
The reasons behind these unconventional names can often be grouped into categories that reflect the culture of the paleontological field.
Tributes to Pop Culture or Individuals
One common category involves names that serve as tributes to Pop Culture or famous individuals, often incorporating a playful sense of humor. For instance, the specific name for Irritator is challengeri, referencing Professor Challenger, a fictional character from Arthur Conan Doyle’s adventure stories.
Researcher Humor and Inside Jokes
A second source of strange names comes from researcher humor or inside jokes, often relating to the difficulty or unexpected nature of the discovery. The name Ekrixinatosaurus translates to “Explosion-born reptile,” humorously describing how its bones were first revealed by a construction-related explosion. Such names document a memorable or frustrating moment of the discovery process.
Literal Descriptive Terms
Finally, some names sound odd simply because they are literal translations of descriptive terms from Latin or Greek that result in an awkward phrase. The genus Colepiocephale translates literally as “knucklehead,” referring to the thick, dome-shaped skull of this pachycephalosaur. These names are perfectly descriptive in the technical sense but become comical when taken out of their classical context.