this is a zoo

["Colette H. Adams" <cadams@hh.gpz.org>]

My thanks to those of you who responded with information about Carnotaurus
and Tyrannosaur skin, especially Ralph Miller.  It is interesting to me
that such large animals have such relatively small scales.  Although there
is a lot of variation, it is generally true that larger species of snakes
and lizards have relatively smaller scales.  The scales of these theropods,
and apparently of hadrosaurs, are truly tiny in relation to their body
size.  Presumably this is related to thermoregulation.  Not to open the
ectothermy/endothermy can of worms, but I have heard the complaint from
proponents of the former that dinosaurs have insufficient insulation.  The
fact is, large animals dissipate heat so slowly they do not need insulation.

But I still do not have data on scale size in Tyrannosaurus.  It is
difficult for me to navigate the literature.  The local university library
will not sell a library card to non-students, and as much as I like my job,
I currently make $5.40/hr, so resources are limited for purchasing books
and magazines.  So I depend very heavily on the internet.  Anyone got data?
        
Incidentally, I work at a major zoo, which has all the mega-mammals
(African elephant, white rhino, giraffe, etc.), as well as two species of
ratites and about 70 species of herps (including Komodo dragons and salt
water crocs).  So if any of you have any questions about same, ask away!

Best regards,

Dave