In paleontology, an Elvis taxon (plural taxa) is a taxon which has been misidentified as having re-emerged in the fossil record after a period of extinction, but is not actually a descendant of the original taxon, instead having developed a similar morphology through convergent evolution. This implies the extinction of the original taxon is real, and the two taxa are polyphyletic.

By contrast, a Lazarus taxon is one which actually is a descendant of the original taxon, and highlights missing fossil records, which may be filled later.

The term Elvis taxon is used because of the large number of sightings of Elvis Presley long after his death, as well as for his many impersonators.

Lobothyris subgregaria, a brachiopod from the early Jurassic period is one example of such a taxon. ^*

Trivia

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Some species and specimens have been named after Elvis Presley, but are not Elvis taxa.

• The dinosaur Cryolophosaurus is known informally as Elvisaurus for its nasal crest resembling Elvis Presley's pompadour haircut.
• A Brachylophosaurus fossil specimen was named 'Elvis' by its discoverer.

Paleontology | Phylogenetics

猫王物种