Re: ceratopsian frount limb stance

["cliff green" <dinonaut@tacisp.com>]

----- Original Message -----
From: cliff green <dinonaut@tacisp.com>
To: <dinosaur@asu.com>
Sent: Sunday, October 15, 2000 11:27 PM
Subject: ceratopsian frount limb stance


>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: David Marjanovic <david.marjanovic@gmx.at>
> To: The Dinosaur Mailing List <dinosaur@usc.edu>
> Sent: Sunday, October 15, 2000 2:22 PM
> Subject: Re: New Dinosaur Art Web Site!
>
>
>
>  The running _T. rex_ on the homepage (as well as the background) is
> admirable, but why does the _Triceratops_ sprawl its forelimbs?
>
> Dear Mr. Marjanovic and list members,
>
>     Because that's how it really walked.
>
>      For the longest time, I haven't posted on the list, because I had
> nothing to ad. Now I do.
>
>     I have just completed six different ceratopsian sculptures for The
> Discovery Channel's new "When Dinosaurs Roamed America" CGI documentary
> program that is coming out next summer. I have worked extensively with Dr.
> Jim Kirkland and Scott Samson with a chaser of the Paleo Artist Bob
Walters,
who has and is working with the Smithsonian on  computer scanned ceratopsian
> frount limb orientation and locomotion, with specific study of
Triceratops.
>     Here's what was found. According to The Smithsonian's research, based
on
> computer analysis, Ceratopsians cannot fit their frount legs under their
> bodys, and do indeed have an elbows out appearance.This is of coarse
> something that paleontologists had written on their Post It notes on the
> fridge well over a century ago.
>     All three of my technical advisors agree strongly with elbows out.
Using
> the term "sprawl" is a bit harsh. it isn't like ceratopsians skidded
through
> life with their chests digging burrows into the dirt, frount legs held out
> in a lizard stance.
>     Scott Samson and Jim Kirkland have both agreed that they held their
> frount limbs moderately elbows out and rested the weight on the second
> digit, feet
> slightly splayed outward. With this configuration, they also fit quite
> comfortly in the ceratopsian trackway. I have a drawing of the trackway
> prints, and used them to acheive a proper stance for the sculptures.
>     I have high hopes that this starts a brand new raging thread.
>
> Any questions or comments,  you all know where to reach me.
>
> Hugs,
>
> Cliff Green
>
>