Re: Therizinosauroid apomorphies

["Jack Conrad" <conradjack@hotmail.com>]

> From: "Mickey Mortimer" <mickey_mortimer@email.msn.com>

> I completely agree.  Despite the fragmentary nature of Beipiaosaurus, the
> therizinosaurs are obviously monophyletic.

I hope that I don't come across as obtuse or as one holding out beyond the 
point of reason, but I don't see it as that obvious.  I feel that 
_Therizinosaurus_ may belong with _Harpymimus_ based on the morphology of 
the humerus and the manual uguals. The semi-lunate in _Alxassaurus_ is 
incompletely fused and this may or may not mean something.  I would 
definitely agree that _Erlikosaurus_, _Enigmosaurus_, _Segnosaurus_, and 
_Nanshiungosaurus_ form a clade, though I'm not sure where they would fit.  
The D-shaped nareal bar is at least one character to unite them with 
ornithomimosaurs and a coracoid tubercle may be a trait to unite 
_Alxasaurus_ with that group.  Overall, _Beipaiosaurus_ and _Alxasaurus_ 
seem maniraptoran, though.

I don't want to beat this into the ground as its been discussed off and on 
for some while.  If there's still interest, I'm happy to continue 
discussion, though.  Thanks to Tim, Mickey M., and Nick L. for the very 
helpful insights for me to consider.

Have a good night.

Jack
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