ceratopsian reconstruction

[JNorton@MAILBOX.UNE.EDU]

I remember a book entitled _Archosauria_ that contained an unusual
restoration of _Triceratops_ and its kin.  The argument was made in the
text that the bony frill of these animals represented the attachment site of
the muscles of mastication (which seems right) but that the large head
and the frill with its muscles would have been to heavy for the neck to
support as the animals are commonly pictured.  The restoration showed
the frill attached to the neck muscles at its back edge, effectively
"burying" the frill in the neck.  The result is a decidedly "rhino-like"
appearance, with a downward slope to the neck and a head quite close
to the ground.

This restoration may be related to the debate surrounding the forelimb
posture of this group.  A large head close to the ground, as postulated in
this restoration, might require a somewhat "bowlegged" stance.

I'm sure others have seen this book or considered this type of
restoration.  Any comments?

James

James M. Norton, Ph.D.
University of New England
11 Hill's Beach Road
Biddeford, ME  04005
phone: [207]283-0171 x2270
fax: [207]283-3249
email: jnorton@mailbox.une.edu

"I hold it equally impossible to know the parts without knowing the whole
and to know the whole without knowing the parts in detail."      
Blaise Pascal