Re: Nyctosaurus pectoral girdle

["Chris Bennett" <cbennett@bridgeport.edu>]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "David Peters" <davidrpeters@earthlink.net>
To: <dinosaur@usc.edu>
Sent: Monday, August 18, 2003 1:01 AM
Subject: re: Nyctosaurus pectoral girdle


>
> In Nyctosaurus the proximal scapulae touch the neural spines. I don't
> think we know enough about pterosaur soft tissue to determine what sort
> of synovial sac might have developed in that area, if any. In my opinion
> it might have been similar to the sliding joint between sternum and
> coracoid in lepidosaurs. Certainly the bone in Nyctosaurus would not be
> allowed to rub on bone without an intervening agent.
>


Dear Dinolisters,

Here is another example where David Peters, who has not seen the pertinent
specimens [they've been on loan to me!], is flatly contradicting a direct
statement by someone who has studied the pertinent specimens.  I will
clearly state for a third time that the scapulae of Nyctosaurus did not
articulate with its notarium, and will then drop the matter:

1.  The scapulae of Nyctosaurus DO NOT "touch the neural spines."
2.  I think I know enough about the soft tissue in the area to determine
that NO JOINT was present and to suggest was present instead.

'Nuf said.

Please excuse my shouting.

Chris


S. Christopher Bennett, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Basic Sciences
College of Chiropractic
University of Bridgeport
Bridgeport, CT  06601