Re: more questions from the rookie

[Tom Holtz <tholtz@geochange.er.usgs.gov>]

>could someone please explain sinraptoran (cryolophosaurus) and
>maniraptoran (as was speculated re afrovenator)?

Sinraptoran is a totally unofficial and misleading name, as there is no
group Sinraptora.  Sinraptor plus Yangchuanosaurus form the Sinraptoridae
(common form sinraptorid), the sister group to the Allosauridae.

Maniraptora is a clade defined as "birds and all dinosaurs sharing a more
recent common ancestor with birds than with ornithomimosaurs".  From my
recent analysis, maniraptorans are restricted to birds and dromaeosaurids
(like Velociraptor and Deinonychus).

                                
Thomas R. Holtz, Jr.                                   
tholtz@geochange.er.usgs.gov
Vertebrate Paleontologist in Exile                  Phone:      703-648-5280
U.S. Geological Survey                                FAX:      703-648-5420
Branch of Paleontology & Stratigraphy
MS 970 National Center
Reston, VA  22092
U.S.A.