function of uncinate processes in some ornithopods

[Mark Van Tomme <markvantomme@yahoo.com>]

Greetings all,

As far as birds are concerned,uncinate processes help
in lung ventilation right?
The ornithopods Talenkauen from Argentina and the
north american Thescelosaurus possibly show this
feature as well.
But differently from the uncinate processes of
crocodilians,some basal maniraptorans and birds in
wich small strip-like processes are present.Talenkauen
and Thescelosaurus exhibit relatively large,plate-like
structures.
Could such feature be an adaptation to a high-altitude
life style in wich less oxygen is present in the air
and an improved cell oxygenation system would be of
help?
I know an animal living in a mountain wouldn't be
likely to preservate but my question is also to know
if in other kinds of high altitude environments,if
they exist,sedimentation can occur.
also remember that some extant animals live in both
low and high environments in different times of year.

Best

Mark



        
                
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