Re: CURSORIAL STEGOSAURS?

[Dinogeorge@aol.com]

In a message dated 7/30/01 6:16:27 PM EST, mbonnan@hotmail.com writes:

<< Digit is generally used to denote both the metapodials and the phalanges.  
 For example: "... there are several digits, each beginning proximally with a 
 metapodial element (metacarpals on the forelimb, metatarsals on the 
 hindlimb) followed by a chain of phalanges.  The digits rest upon several 
 separate bones, collectively known as the carpals in the wrist and the 
 tarsals in the ankle ..." from Kardong (1995), Vertebrates: Comparative 
 Anatomy, Function, Evolution. >>

Everybody has his own definition, I guess. For me the >digits< begin at the 
distal ends of the metapodials and are composed just of their respective 
phalanges and unguals, particularly since the metapodials are never separated 
externally but are embedded in a fleshy unit (the palm of the hand, and 
whatever the corresponding part of the foot is called), whereas the digits 
are usually separate (often even when very short/vestigial). When I talk 
about digit loss, these are the parts that are lost, not the metapodials 
(which are lost much less frequently).