Re: Could Dinosaurs have ears?

[jpoling@magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu (Jeff Poling)]

>>> I explained that Dinos aren't mamals, that
>>> they are reptiles, or at least a close relative.  I then pointed out that
>>> snakes, lizards, turtles don't have fleshy ears either.
>>
>>Reptiles?  REPTILES?  AAAAUUUUUUGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHH!
>>
>>:-)
>>
>>The right relative, most experts agree, isn't reptiles but rather
>>birds.  Which also lack external ears.  But both modern reptiles and
>>birds have ears; there is simply no external ear flap.
>
>Well, this expert, and many others, agree that dinosaurs ARE reptiles (and
>birds ARE dinosaurs), and no member of Reptilia (aka Sauropsida, sort of)
>has fleshy external ears.  [But, yes, among the reptiles, birds are the
>closest comparison].

   Ya know, I never realized what a strange bunch we are.  I've now found
two people, myself and my dino professor, who like to irritate people by
calling birds reptiles.  Anybody else find pleasure in doing this?

   I know, I know, get a life.  But a life wouldn't be as interesting as all
this....

** "A warp core breach is imminent?     ** "Those who trade a little freedom **
** This calls for the handyman's secret ** for a little security will soon   **
** weapon, duct tape." --- Red Green,   ** find that they have none of       **
** Chief Engineer, U.S.S. Voyager       ** either." --- Jeff Poling          **