Re: Coelophysis/Rioarribasaurus

[Stan Friesen <swf@ElSegundoCA.ATTGIS.COM>]

From: Dinogeorge@aol.com
 > He has also found evidence of _Syntarsus_ at Ghost Ranch
 > (meaning there is more than one genus of small theropods among the
 > skeletons).


Perhaps.  Or it is possible that some of the supposedly diagnostic
features of _Syntarsus_ can be variable within a *signle* species.

Colbert, in his book on the GR skeletons, mentions that there is some
variability in the occurance of tarsal fusion among the GR specimens.
He suggests that this may be a growth related change.

If this is the sole reason that Bob Sullivan is suggesting the presence
of Syntarsus at Ghost Ranch, I think the case is weak.  I think it would
be necessary to show a correlation between tarsal fusion and other
diagnostic features in order to do so.

swf@elsegundoca.attgis.com              sarima@netcom.com

The peace of God be with you.