Re: Stuff on gliding vs non-gliding (was Re: Protoavis (was Re: solnhofen)

["Jaime A. Headden" <qilongia@yahoo.com>]

Tim Williams (twilliams_alpha@hotmail.com) wrote:

<But, to answer Renesto's original question, I'm not personally
aware of any skeletal specializations seen in marsupial gliders
that are not seen in closely related, non-gliding marsupials
(such as _Pseudocheirus...>

  Specifically, the dorsoventrally-flattened body, flattened
tail with hair spray a la "tail fan," extended carpal cartilage,
with mebrane works for these fellows. I'm looking into cranial
features associated with gliding mammals....

<Direct evidence of a gliding membrane (patagium) has been
described in at least one extinct rodent (an eomyid).  I'll
check if this rodent shows the skeletal specializations that are
believed to be necessary for gliding.>

  Flattened body and olecranal cartilage in an extended rod,
membranal traces [*Eomys quercyi*]....

=====
Jaime A. Headden

  Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhr-gen-ti-na
  Where the Wind Comes Sweeping Down the Pampas!!!!

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