Abstract
Ever since Blainville (1816) used the generic term for the leathery turtle, several basic morphological facets of this animal have been obscured by redundant, exaggerated, or inaccurate descriptions. This results in unnecessary confusion and misunderstandings about ontogenetic and evolutionary features in Dermochelys coriacea. The specific name coriacea was provided by Vandelli (1761) and adopted by Linnaeus (1766), as Fretey and Bour (1980) explained. This epithet refers to the turtle's distinctive leathery, scaleless skin, as does also Blainville's (1816) generic name. It is unfortunate that both parts of the binomial refer to the same character, not only because of redundancy, but because the repetition exaggerates the true extent of the scaleless condition.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
