RE: Submitting new artwork to the wrath of the DML

["Tracy L. Ford" <dino.hunter@cox.net>]

-----Original Message-----
From: owner-dinosaur@usc.edu [mailto:owner-dinosaur@usc.edu]On Behalf Of
Dann Pigdon
Sent: Sunday, April 14, 2002 1:35 PM
To: dinosaur@usc.edu
Subject: Re: Submitting new artwork to the wrath of the DML

Christopher Srnka wrote:

>  2. The projections may have served to shade the eyes
>  from the sun to facilitate vision or to protect the
>  eyes from injury somewhat.

If tyrannosaur intraspecific combat was anything like that of crocs,
then perhaps they sidled up to each other and swung their heads sideways
and down slightly, rather than risk using those jaws on each other. This
might also explain the hypothetical hornlet on the jugal. I've seen a
painting of ceratosaurs doing this, fighting giraffe-style (although
they were facing head-to-tail rather than both in the same direction).<<

There is one major flaw in this and that is the bit marks on the skull.
Tyrannosaurids were very vicious, very aggressive animals. Sure, they may
have also done what you suggest, but the evidence is for more aggressive
behavior. Allosaurus on the other hand lacks any bite marks on the head so
they may have done what you suggest.


Tracy L. Ford
P. O. Box 1171
Poway Ca  92074