RE: Carnotaurus

[christopher robert noto <crnoto@midway.uchicago.edu>]

Let's not make the mistake of equating adaptive use with well developed
morphology.  It could be possible that the more robust arms are an
allometric result of increased body size, not because they had a specific
"use".  We need to be really careful when we make claims such as "x is
well developed, so it must have served a purpose y".  There are many other
factors that affect the size and development of organs, besides general
adaptiveness.

Chris

On Mon, 23 Apr 2001, R. Irmis wrote:

> <<I imagine Carnotaurus hunted in much the same way T.Rex did, having a
> similar body structure (generally) to the king.  Large jaws, small arms,
> powerful legs.  It's killing power was in its mouth.  I doubt the crest
> horns were hardly any effect more than display to others of its
> species.Besides it didn't have the neck for ramming, like some
> ornithiscians. Though your idea is imaginative (A+ for that!), I'll bet this
> hunter probably attacked with speed and teeth instead.>>
> 
> Actually, it seems Tyrannosaurus rex did use its forelimbs for something.
> Whether it was for hunting or not, I don't know.  The forelimbs of T. rex
> were much more muscular than on any other advanced tyrannosaur, suggesting
> that they did have a purpose in life.  Carnotaurus, I doubt did anything
> with its forelimbs.
> 
> Regards,
> Randy Irmis
>