Re: Thyreophoran Osteology

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

William Parker wrote:
> 
> Hello all,
>     Can anyone tell me of special adaptations in the axial skeleton of
> the Thyreophorans (esp. Ankylosaurids) in response to the added weight
> of armor?  What adaptations have the vertebrae (particularily the neural
> spine) and the ribs undergone to support this added weight, as well as
> to absorb the blows the armor would help protect against?  A few refs
> would also be greatly appreciated.  Thanks.
>

Minmi paravertebra from northern Australia had, as its specific
name suggests, paravertebrae: strut-like projections that interlocked
with the vertebrae that seemed to help reinforce the back, perhaps
to let the small (3m long) thyreophoran to run. The reference is:

Molnar, R.E. 1996 Preliminary report on a new ankylosaur from the Early
Cretaceous of Queensland, Australia. Memoirs of the Queensland Museum
39(3):653-668 

-- 
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        Dann Pigdon
        GIS Archaeologist
        Melbourne, Australia

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