Lazarus Taxon
A Lazarus taxon refers to species thought extinct but rediscovered later, like the takahē. Coined in 1983, it reflects gaps in the fossil record, seen after mass extinctions, with examples like the Chacoan peccary and false killer whale.
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A Lazarus taxon is a term used in paleontology, conservation biology, and ecology to describe a taxon that disappears from the fossil record only to reappear later, like the takahē of New Zealand. Coined in 1983, the concept refers to species or populations thought to be extinct but are rediscovered. The term originates from the biblical story of Lazarus being raised from the dead. Lazarus taxa can be explained as artifacts due to extinction, resupply, or sampling gaps in the fossil record. They are observed after mass extinctions, like the Permian-Triassic event. Related concepts include ghost lineages, Elvis taxa, zombie taxa, and living fossils. Examples of Lazarus taxa include the Chacoan peccary, false killer whale, and mountain pygmy possum. The term also extends to "Lazarus species," organisms rediscovered alive after being considered extinct. The phenomenon highlights gaps and surprises in our understanding of species survival and evolution over time.
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