Re: Son of Ceratopsian forelimbs

["Ray Stanford" <dinotracker@earthlink.net>]

Bruce Woollatt said:

    "...Those who propose a splay-limbed stance are either going to have fit
their own reconstruction into this same set of footprints, which P&C [Paul
and Christiansen] suggest is not possible, or they are going to have to show
that the footprints were not made by a ceratopsian..."

    Having some considerable experience in the study of Cretaceous tracks, I
suggest that the *burden of proof* actually rests upon the shoulders of Paul
and Christiansen [to show that the tracks were made by a ceratopsian and not
some other quadrapedal dinosaur such as, e.g., an ankylosaurian].

    Those who are knowledgeable in the study of tracks realize how very
difficult such an identification can be.  Right here in Maryland, I have
found nicely formed Early Cretaceous tracks that, after about two years of
study and comparison with published tracks, cannot be certified as
specifically ceratopsian or ankylosaurian (or nodosaurian) in origin, while
looking as though they might have been made by either type animal.  Of
course, I have my private opinions as the origin of some of the tracks
referred to (which has changed from time to time), but it is still a matter
of interpretation and must be recognisized as merely an educated guess or
tentative guess.

    In short, IMHO, the burden of proof is always upon the one who claims a
track or trackway was made by a specific type animal, not upon those who
question that interpretation.  Additionally, I have seen two very opposite
interpretations made of the same allegedly ceratopsian trackway, by no less
than Martin Lockley (asserting un-splayed) and Peter Dodson (asserting
somewhat splayed).

    Especially if a single, alleged ceratopsian trackway is used as a basis
for more sweeping conclusions(s), I say, Caveat emptor!  Furthermore, if
people can be pigeon-toed, bow-legged, etc., etc. one might just wonder
whether such foot placement variations might occur among individuals of a
singular dinosaur species.

    Ray Stanford