Re: Regarding Spinosaurus

[bert.dol@philips.com]

                    "Fam Jansma"                                                
                                       
                    <fam.jansma@world           To:  <archosaur@reptilis.net>   
                                       
                    online.nl>                  cc:  <dinosaur@usc.edu>         
                                       
                    Sent by:                     (bcc: Bert Dol/SKN/SC/PHILIPS) 
                                       
                    owner-dinosaur@us           Subject:  Re: Regarding 
Spinosaurus                                    
                    c.edu                                                       
                                       
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                    2002-01-10 09:27                                            
                                       
                    Please respond to                                           
                                       
                    fam.jansma                                                  
                                       
                                                                                
                                       
                                                                                
                                       






I don't doubt the fact that the sail was used for intimidation, but the
sails you mean are fleshy and not supported by bone. It's also hard to think
of a example of an extant reptile with a sail sticking out of it's back
that's around the length of it's hindlimbs. Alright, the scale has to be
altered, but when you evolve this big sail, you have to have a practical use
for it and not only for impressing other members of your genus.

>>>What about the peacock? What other purposes does the bird have except 
>>>impressing potential mates? And birds of paradise? To name just two 
>>>examples....having something like a big sail does not automaticaly mean it 
>>>MUST have a purpose beyond sexual
display.

>The problem is that if a Ouranosaurus dumped it's heat, it takes some time
to do so, leaving it open to attack for a hungry Carcharodontosaurus or
Spinosaur. Evolution has always been about survival, not suicide.

>>>Living organisms are constantly subject to mutation, small differences, 
>>>things like occasional interbreeding. If the slightly changed individual 
>>>survives and gives rise to a new population of slightly different organisms 
>>>it has evolved. Otherwise it
might go extinct. Evolution is not specificaly about survival. It is a force 
all living creatures will be subjected to. (not sure if I explain it quit 
perfectly as well as I mean it).

>The Anaconda isn't a creature that is known for it's small size, the largest
one recorded was about 12 metres, coming close to a adult Spinosaurus. It's
is known that these creatures can live for several months on the remains of
their last lunch, a large crocodile or something like that.

>>>But we can say for sure that the Anaconda is coldblooded (and the exact size 
>>>was 11.32 meters of Yellow Anaconda if I remember correctly). So it can go 
>>>without food for months if need be. I do not recall anyone stating for a 
>>>fact that we have
determined the  exact physiology of the Spinosaurids. So how much food per day, 
or in a given period is still quit undetermined, I guess
Interesting thread, though.
Just thinking along with you guys,

Bert