Re: Ceratopsian gait (was Re: Oviraptor)

[luisrey@ndirect.co.uk (luisrey)]

>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?


Hi Dann.

Evidence of trackways seems to contradict the sprawling theories. New
reconstructions by Greg Paul, revised independently by Tracy Ford, show
clearly how ceratopsians would have a fully erect (front legs) gait with
slightly outward bowed elbows and hands facing outwards, just as in the
trackways (not inwards as the sprawling posture would obligue).
The sprawling theories seem to ignore the fact that ceratopsians had a
sternum and that the scapulocoracoids don't touch directly frontally:  they
articulate with the sternum in the middle, pushing the chest down while the
head and neck are held at a higher level.
The front legs will then be tucked underneath, not in 'mammalian' fashion
(as depicted by Bakker whose reconstructed ceratopsians had
too-pulled-to-the-sides-and-back scapulas) but in typical dinosaurian high
walk, equivalent (but not the same) to the mammalian erect posture.

Luis Rey

Visit my website on http://www.ndirect.co.uk/~luisrey