Re: Sauropod necks and rearing

[HPB1956@aol.com]

In a message dated 01/02/2002 Greg Paul writes:

> Until someone bothers to do some actual science and publish estimates showing
> that sauropods really did save significant energy by using long necks to reach low 
> plants rather than just taking a few more steps it is not science.

Some years ago there was a report about how often a certain kind of bird feeds on a bush. The result was that the measured time between two visits to a bush for feeding resulted in an optimal energy gain for the bird. Meaning that the difference between gained and used energy in a given time was optimized by behaviour. (BTW, does anybody has the reference handy?) 

> but currently the only sauropods shown to have horizontal necks, diplodocids,
> have strong rearing adaptations

The same principle of gaining optimal energy applies also to sauropods. Regarding diplodocids this would mean that they reared up to reach higher vegetation. And standing on all four legs to feed on lower vegetation. This would be kind of a mixed-mode feeding strategy, enabling them to live in a wider range of environments.


Just some thoughts.

Cheers


Heinz Peter Bredow