Re: Walking dromaeosaurs [JOKE]

[Mike Taylor <mike@indexdata.com>]

> Date: Thu, 31 Jul 2003 21:17:07 -0700
> From: "Mickey Mortimer" <Mickey_Mortimer111@msn.com>
> 
> > In birds the front-and-beck neck movement (and associated head
> > bobbing) is connected with digestion isn't it?  Specifically, the
> > mechanical breakdown of food in the gizzard.  Our modern day
> > feathered friends do not have teeth, so they "chew" their food in
> > the gizzard.
> 
> Does anyone figure this has implications for non-avian theropods
> that used gastroliths (eg. Caudipteryx, Sinornithomimus,
> Lourinhasaurus, Poekilopleuron, etc.)?

... I now have the mental image of a _Seismosaurus_[1], neck raised in
an S-curve[2], bobbing backwards and forwards as it walks.

 _/|_    _______________________________________________________________
/o ) \/  Mike Taylor  <mike@indexdata.com>  http://www.miketaylor.org.uk
)_v__/\  "1) Whatever anyone says, someone will find reason to
         disagree.  2) Whatever disagreement is offered, it will miss
         the point" -- Greg Gunther.

--

[1] Yes, I know the _Seismosaurus_ gastroliths have been questioned.
    Work with me here, OK?  :-)

[2] Yes, I know diplodocid necks don't have enough dorsoventral
    flexibility to assume this pose.  Work with me here, OK?  :-)