Re: Sauropod Energetics (Peristaltic pump)

[Sim Koning <simkoning@msn.com>]

> From: "Richard W. Travsky" <rtravsky@uwyo.edu>

> I was responding to Sim Koning's comment about "a constant oxygen supply" 
> for the sauropd's brain. If oxygen concentration were higher, the blood 
> would be more oxygenated and it could better "ride out" a blip in the 
> supply.


I don't think a higher oxygen concentration would help, because basically 
the blood would drain out of the skull if the blood pressure wasn't high 
enough to keep it up there in the first place. The brain needs a contant 
oxygen supply to work. If you have someone put you in a choke hold, you will 
notice that it only takes a few seconds to pass out. As Greg and I have both 
said, fainting while in an upright position would result in a pretty nasty 
fall. I really don't think it's realistic say evolution could not figure out 
a solution to the problem.