Re: Sauropod neck positions

[ngear@gvtc.com]

I am not averse to the notion that the diplodocids were primarily "low"
browsers, and I even think it makes a kind of sense from the standpoint of
conservation of energy (leave the body stationary, send the head out
foraging).  However, I'm leery of getting behind this purely on the basis of
'neutral vertebra position'.  If you consider the total range of motion for
a giraffe neck, for example, you arrive at a 'neutral' position rather lower
than their habitual browsing position.

What I would like to know is whether we have found any ossified ligaments
from diplodicid necks (preferably from the mid-neck region).  Supporting the
neck in the horizontal position would have been accomplished either by
muscular effort (ok, for short durations) or by loading up the top
ligaments.  If the habitual position was low, I would think the ligament
support strategy would make more sense.  If any ossified ligaments have been
preserved, wouln't an examination of their relative sizes would tell us more
about the habitual neck position than the neutral position approach?  Anyone
happen to know what the story is on this?

Nick