Re: Lewisuchus, a Dinosauriform

[Dinogeorge@aol.com]

In a message dated 7/23/01 12:53:52 PM EST, Mickey_Mortimer11@msn.com writes:

<< The absence of the phalanx in basal sauropodomorphs really throws a wrench
in George's basis for his hypothesis. >>

Not at all. The so-called "basal sauropodomorphs" (i.e., prosauropods) are
>more< derived than the sauropods (the phalanges of the fifth pedal digit are
reduced to absent among them). Indeed, they may represent a bunch of
transitional clades between the sauropods and the theropods (and also the
ornithischians). Also,  I disagree that the fifth digit re-evolved in any
dinosaur lineage. I think that idea arises from wanting to make the data fit
the cladistic analysis rather than vice versa.

I'm writing this stuff up for Dino Press 5 and 6, by the way. Just for the
record, you know.