Re: T. rex the Licensed Hunter

[BHinchSaur <BHinchSaur@aol.com>]

In a message dated 98-03-09 01:37:30 EST, Larry Dunn writes:

<< For what it's worth, I've been convinced by the many persuasive 
 arguments that a jaws-alone strategy for T. rex was viable.  But put a 
 few glasses on wine in me and I'll believe anything.
  >>

This makes good sense to me.  T. Rex, (and others) had all the
features needed to be a good predator.  Stereoscopic Vision, 
judging from brain cavity studies a good sense of smell, a fantastic
set of teeth, strong neck, and many other traits.  Many Avian predators
today do just fine with no front arms at all, albeit they have flight to 
compensate for the loss of arms.  Owls for instance, do quite well utilizing
a finely developed sense of hearing, to compensate for their vision in a 
nocturnal environment. 

In reference to the posting comparing toothed whales to Theropods, I can't
see the relation either.  The toothed whales (unless I am misinformed...
please correct me if so) do not use their teeth to eat.  In fact the function
of the mandible only teeth is somewhat of a mystery.  Whales that hunt the
giant squid seem to swallow their prey whole.  

In reference to other Theropods, it would seem that most advanced members
of this group had serated teeth (excluding birds of course) which are well
suited for  slicing meat.  Even if T.rex was totally incapable of employing 
the short arms in any manner, what would prevent this animal from attacking
by removing a large chunk of meat, then stepping back while the prey 
succumbs from loss of blood and shock.  Although this is not a "Pretty" 
picture of a great predator, it certainly seems a possibility.  I also must
note
that this behavior has been presented before (E. Colbert - The Age of
Reptiles).

A similar behavior is seen in the extant Komodo Dragon, whose bite contains
an infectious bacteria.  After an attack, the prey may die hours, or even days
later, mabee in someone else's territory.  

With all these things giong for it, It seems unlikely that T. rex was
primarily
a scavenger.  Without a living example however, I fear this debate will remain
unresolved.

Comments and Crticizsms welcome.


Bill Hinchman