Re: Jumpin' dinos

[Danvarner@aol.com]

In a message dated 9/28/99 12:39:33 PM Pacific Daylight Time, 
mbonnan@hotmail.com writes:

<< In the message, I mentioned the fact that no dinosaurs or guys like 
 Marasuchus have a calcaneal (heel) tuber.  In jumping animals (kangaroos, 
 for ex.), the calcaneal tuber is huge and allows the gastrocnemius to insert 
 on a nice lever arm along with the plantaris and soleus muscles in the form 
 of the Achilles tendon.
  >>
  How would Sphenosuchians fit in here? They have a calcaneal tuber and as 
far as locomotion goes seem to be convergent to elephant shrews. I looked up 
Marasuchus and sphenosuchids in the archives and mostly found disturbing 
things about the sphenosuchuid shoulder girdle and birds. Help! Dan Varner.