Re: Nocturnal crocs?

[John Bois <jbois@umd5.umd.edu>]

On Fri, 24 Aug 2001, David Marjanovic wrote:

> I'm not sure that there is a phenomenon. 3 big mammals instead of 1 in one
> spot may not be statistically significant and tell more about the quality of
> the fossil record.

Does abundance help?  

Anyway, it is at least _suggestive_ of increasing size.  Also, dentition
was diversifying.  New diets--new size classes to better exploit resources
(not just insects anymore!).  

> What should have caused the relaxation in size constraints?

Reduction in predators, namely, small to mid-size dinosaurs.  Improved
comepetitive ability with herbivorous dinos.