A heartwarming story of academic inspiration and gratitude has emerged, as a PhD student pays tribute to his former teacher by naming a newly discovered ancient crocodile species after him. But here's where it gets controversial... The student, Bodenham, chose to honor his teacher, Mr. Jones, by naming a fossil crocodile species after him, despite the fact that Jones joked about physics being a 'softer science' compared to biology. This decision has sparked debate among some, who question the appropriateness of naming a scientific discovery after someone who made light of a different field of study. And this is the part most people miss... While others have praised the gesture, some have raised concerns about the potential implications of such a decision. Despite the controversy, Bodenham's gesture has been met with warm reception from both his former teacher and the wider community. The fossil, discovered in Gloucestershire in 1969, was found to be a new species of crocodile, and its discovery adds to our understanding of the region's biodiversity during the Late Triassic period. Bodenham's interest in studying crocodylomorphs developed unexpectedly, and he has since made significant contributions to the field. The article concludes by inviting readers to share their thoughts on the naming decision in the comments, encouraging a discussion on the balance between personal connections and scientific objectivity in academic research.
