Re: Not dinosaurs

[ornstn@inforamp.net (Ronald Orenstein)]

>I am simply mystified as to how a sauropod kept from overheating, 
>particularly one of the really large economy-sized models.  
>
>Thanks for all the well-meaning commentary!
>
>John McLoughlin, who hath no tail, conical or otherwise
>

Don't overlook the possibility of behavioural mechanisms.  Some people seem
to think that only ectotherms use behaviour to regulate body temperature,
but consider elephants, which can avoid overheating by seeking out shade,
entering the water, or wallowing in mud (giving an "insulating" coat to the
skin that helps cut down the effects of direct radiation - not to mention
the many animals that simply avoid much activity in the hottest part of the
day.  Such activities don't do the whole trick, but they help - and they
don't fossilize!
--
Ronald I. Orenstein                           Phone: (905) 820-7886 (home)
International Wildlife Coalition              Fax/Modem: (905) 569-0116 (home)
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