Re: bottom decker?? pteros

["James R. Cunningham" <jrccea@bellsouth.net>]

david peters wrote:

> Jim C. wrote:
> I do disagree with this.  In Quetz, the lower glenoid appears to me to
> be related to the high wingloading and flapping power.
> 
> >>>  Would the same hold true for Scaphognathids

I don't know.  Haven't looked at them.

> Think of the set (=possibly many clades) of birds that have long necks and 
> soar. How do they feed? Storks, cranes and flamingoes all walk while feeding.

And are all capable of considerable flexing of their necks. Quetz
isn't.  I've never been much of an enthusiast with regard to extensions
of behavior between pterosaurs, birds, and bats.

> Swans and geese swim. Pelicans are an exception. If we consider the set of 
> long necks, soaring and long legs, pelicans drop out.

I'm puzzled re the 'points' of the comparison.  Swans and geese don't
soar; pelicans are crappy soarers, the quetz neck is unlike the birds'
necks in terms of flexibility.  What features are we comparing?
> 
> The soaring birds with short necks include gulls, albatross, boobies, 
> skimmers, etc.  All feed on the wing.

I sometimes feed on the wing too (with a preference for peanut butter &
jelly sandwiches in baggies).  And I have a relatively short neck.  Does
that make me a bird, or similar to one?

> Vultures are an exception. If we think of marine birds only, then vultures 
> drop off the list.

I haven't quite figured out what list yet.
> 
> I see trends.

There may well be some -- among birds.  I would expect pterosaurs to be
subject to trends as well; but not the same trends.