Rediscovery of Forgotten Fossils: A⁤ Tale of Two Sharks

The study of prehistoric ‍sharks has always been a fascinating subject for paleontologists. However, for many years, the name “Orthacanthus​ gracilis” has caused confusion and frustration among researchers⁢ due to its⁤ widespread use​ for three different⁢ species of sharks from the late Paleozoic Period. But ​now, thanks to the efforts ⁢of Professor Loren Babcock from​ The Ohio ⁤State University, two ⁤of these species ‌have been given new names, leading ⁣to the rediscovery of a wealth of forgotten fossils.

The original Orthacanthus gracilis was discovered in ‍Germany and named⁤ in 1848. However, two other species found in Ohio were also given the same name by the famous American paleontologist John Strong Newberry in 1857 and 1875. ‍This‌ caused confusion and made it⁢ difficult for scientists to⁢ differentiate between the three species.

To rectify ⁤this issue, Babcock went through a rigorous process governed by the International Commission on Zoological ‍Nomenclature⁢ (ICZN). He had‍ to provide evidence for the need to change the​ names, propose new names, and submit them for ⁣peer review in an ICZN-recognized ⁢journal. Finally, ‍the ICZN officially ⁢accepted the ‍new names, Orthacanthus linton