Dinosaurian Hyoids

["Steve Brusatte" <dinoland@lycos.com>]

Thanks to everyone for the help on the hyoid post.  I appreciate everyone's 
comments (especially HP Mortimer, who at least doubled my existing list!).  In 
addition to what the list posted, _Tenontosaurus_ can also be added to the 
group of dinosaurs from which ceratobranchails are known.  At least one 
(possibly two...I don't recall what exactly the news reports said) were found 
with the famous "Tenontosaurus with a head" specimen reported in the news last 
year.  

I have also located only one lone paper exclusively on dinosaurian hyoids, a 
1945 work by Colbert focusing on the ceratobranchials of Protoceratops and 
Psittacosaurus.  Any additional papers that deal entirely with hyoids or give 
pertinent information would be appreciated.  

I have come to the opinion that dinosaurian hyoids are most certainly 
understudied (although, as Wanger said, they may be more common than the 
literature makes it seem).  However, when present these bones can give insights 
into the vocalization abilities of dinosaurs, along with information on the 
dinosaurian tongue (which can further be used to possibly deduce feeding 
habits, muscle mass, etc.).  Not to pry, but is anyone currently doing any work 
on dinosaurian hyoids?  If not, and even if so, I would be most interested to 
possibly begin looking closer at them next year when I finally have access to a 
college library.  

Also, a post earlier today mentioned dewlaps that are anchored to bone.  First 
off, what extant animals possess dewlaps anchored to bone?  Secondly, are any 
of these extant dewlaps anchored to the hyoid apparatus, and, if not, would it 
have been possible that dinosaurian dewlaps may have been anchored to one of 
the hyoid bones?  

Just some food for discussion.

Regards,
Steve

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Steve Brusatte-DINO LAND PALEONTOLOGY
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