Re: Fwd: possible role of echolocation in K-T survival

[Stanley Friesen <sarima@ix.netcom.com>]

At 06:05 PM 3/11/98 EST, BHinchSaur wrote:
>As for Icthyosaurs having the ability to echolocate?  I know of no 
>predator
>that eats fish that has this ability (this is not my area of study, 
>so that could be off the mark).

I believe you are.  There are a number of toothed whales that use sonar,
including many or most dolphins.  Most of these are fish eaters.

Basically, any whale (incl. dolphins) with an enlarged "forehead" region
uses echolocation.  The sperm whale's enormous head is just an extreme
expression of this structure.

So, do any of the soft-tissue outlines of ichthyosaurs show evidence of a
"melon" or other enlarged fatty organ anywhere near the front of the
animal? If so, then they probably echolocated.

--------------
May the peace of God be with you.         sarima@ix.netcom.com
                                          sfriesen@netlock.com