Re: Bipedalism

[Bill Adlam <wa105@mead.anglia.ac.uk>]

Rpb Meyerson's message was sadly mangled on its way to me, but he did write:

>Could this be a part of the explanation for bipedalism in theropods?  When 
>the "dawn theropods" began to stand up, did this behavior give them a 
>greater range of vision, enabling them to see higher and farther than 
>before?  If so, then this behavioral t...

This is sometimes suggested as a reason for human bipedalism.  Standing up 
certainly allows you to see further, but it also makes you easier to see.  
Many small mammals stand on their hind legs to briefly scan their 
surroundings (apologies to lumpers of infinitives).  I would guess that if 
you have either predators or prey, obligate bipedalism is a disadvantage.  
Being able to rear up would probably be useful, as you can look for danger 
and perhaps attract mates or threaten rivals.

                                                        All the best,

                                                                        Bill