Re: Warm-Blooded debate

[Dann Pigdon <dannj@alphalink.com.au>]

Michael wrote:
> If a sauropod can use its circulatory system to radiate
> heat back to the environment via the skin as well, then I see no
> reason for them to overheat.  There are other mechanisms for
> dissapating heat as well and I will mention them when I get back to
> you.  I'm sure you already are familiar with this, but it might
> benefit some of the newer members of the list.
> 
Even ectotherms need to cool off now and then, so whether endothermic
or ectothermic sauropods probably required some method of radiating
excess heat. Has anyone thought that perhaps the general shape of
a sauropod (ie long neck and tail) may have more to do with increasing
the surface area:volume ratio to help cool the beast, with any other
adaptations (tripodal stances, long necks for feeding, small heads,
defence) being secondary? If the long neck is required to help increase
the surface area for cooling, and hence the long tail to counterbalance
it, then perhaps sauropod heads were small so that the neck could be
as long and thin as possible. Just idle speculation mind you...

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        Dann Pigdon
        Melbourne, Australia
        http://www.geocities.com/capecanaveral/4459/

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