Macronectes tinae sp. nov. (1 Viewer)

[Björn Bergenholtz]

Here's a quick post regarding the recently described ...

tinae as in:
•The (Late Pliocene) Giant Petrel Macronectes tinae TENNYSSON & SALVADOR 2023 (link to OD here):

Etymology: The specific epithet honours Tina King, the late partner of fossil collector Alastair Johnson. This giant petrel skull was her favourite fossil, hence the homage.

Who she was/is? I haven't got a clue ...

Neither do I know, nor understand (by the dedication above), if she's truly "late" (as in deceased), or if she's 'only' late, as in the capacity of being a late/former partner (alt. a collecting colleague/companion) of Alastair Johnson.

Who knows? [*]

However, the amateur fossil hunter Alastair 'Al' Johnson, himself was/is apparently commemorated in the Common name, and in the Generic name Aldiomedes (of the New Zealand, extinct/subfossil) species Alastair’s albatross Aldiomedes angustirostris MAYR & TENNYSON 2019.

Given how distinctive the new skull is, we have named it as a new genus and species Aldiomedes angustirostris: The taxon is named in honor of Alastair (‘Al’) Johnson; the second part of the name refers to ‘Diomedes’, the Greek mythological figure, after which the albatross family was named. The species epithet is derived from the Latin ‘angustus’ meaning narrow, and ‘rostrum’ meaning beak.

[all according to Tennyson himself here]​

Also, re. the latter Bird, and Mr Johnson, see here.

Enjoy!

Björn

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* I would think that Paul (Scofield) ought to know, as it's on his "home turf" (in his vicinity, as well as topic/subject) ...?

 

[l_raty]

Presumably:

https://deaths.taranakidailynews.co.nz/nz/obituaries/taranaki-daily-news-nz/name/tina-king-obituary?pid=201466280