Re: Carnotaurus

[JAMES ARONIS <Apollo@MLink.net>]

There has never been a terrestrial predator (to my knowledge) that evolved a
strategy of hunting by means of impalement through the use of horns or similar
devices. This begs the question, why not?? It would appear a simple enough means
to hunt, if not a primary one, then why not as an aid to clawing, biting, etc.?

Jordan Mallon wrote:

> >From: Erik  Omtvedt <omtvedt@mail.com>
>
> >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 was always under the impression that despite having a massive maxilla, the
> mandible of _Carnotaurus_ was actually quite slender and fairly weak.  The
> way I see it, _C. sastrei_ was one big and flashy theropod, but didn't have
> an overly powerful bite.  Can anyone please clarify the matter?
>
> As for the original suggestion that _Carnotaurus_ may have used its brow
> horns to kill potential prey, I don't really subscribe to that one either.
> I don't think the horns were actually sharp enough to really puncture tough
> dino skin, and I believe that the horns were also pointed up-and-out
> (whereas a more likely 'prey-killing' strategy would be to have the horns
> pointing straight up to better impale the rival).
>
> At any rate, I also await the answer of others patiently...
>
> -Jordan Mallon
>
> http://www.geocities.com/paleoportfolio/
>
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