Ceratopsian gait (was Re: Oviraptor)

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

tlford@ix.netcom.com wrote:
>  When museum's reconstruct a protoceratops they have it's legs
> sprawling. This is far from the truth. Their legs should be directly under 
> them. This also means
> they were swifter then orginally thought.
> 
> Tracy

What of the recent (1997 or 1996, can't remember which) studies on
ceratopsian forelimbs that seem to indicate that a somewhat sprawling
gait is more likely? I seem to recall an article in a book on
functional morphology. This is all from memory mind you, so I'm in
dangerous waters already, but I seem to recall that the study
showed that the forelimbs could not have articulated directly beneath
the body without serious dislocation. Is this not a popular view then?
Of course this does not relate to protoceratops itself, so for all
I know Tracy's statement may well be true, but any chance to stir
the coals...  :)
-- 
____________________________________________________
        Dann Pigdon
        Melbourne, Australia

        Dinosaur Reconstructions:
        http://www.geocities.com/capecanaveral/4459/
        Australian Dinosaurs:
        http://www.alphalink.com.au/~dannj
____________________________________________________