RE: Claw function in Deinonychus

["Richard W. Travsky" <rtravsky@uwyo.edu>]

On Wed, 26 Oct 2005, MICHAEL HABIB wrote:
> I would caution against assuming a single function for the enlarged 
> inner claw in dromeosaurids and troodontids.  An enlarged claw on the 
> hindlimb is useful for a number of functions, including dispatching 
> large prey, pinning/dispatching smaller prey, and climbing sheer 
> surfaces (ie trees).  It was probably used differently by different 
> taxa, which would explain the differences in morphology and relative 
> size of the pedal claw across dromeosaurids.  Note that in the 
> largest-bodied taxa, the claw seems to be larger proportionately.  It 
> would be interesting to take a phylogenetic approach, combined with some 
> morphometric analysis, to try to determine the 'original' use of the 
> claw in ancestral dromeosaurids.

Just out of curiousity, is the claw present on both sexes, and the same
relative size to each?