Re: Carnivore Energetics: Why Are Lions Not As Big As Elephants? ..and why aren't antelopes?

[Dann Pigdon <dannj@alphalink.com.au>]

Roberto Takata wrote:
> 
> On 1/22/07, Dann Pigdon <dannj@alphalink.com.au> wrote:
> > In a environment dominated by low bushes with closely packed branches,
> > shorter legs = faster animal. They employ more of a snake-like squirm to
> > move quickly through dense cover. So the tendancy is still towards a faster
> > getaway.
> 
> They do not got faster, just become able to climb better. Safer is
> more general than faster.
> 

Actually, the Anoles that were introduced to islands with trees (that
used climbing as a predator escape) developed longer legs. Those on
islands dominated by low dense shrubs reduced their leg lengths. Both
facilitated faster escapes; long legs allowed faster climbing, while
short legs allowed a faster escape through dense vegetation.

-- 
___________________________________________________________________

Dann Pigdon
GIS / Archaeologist         http://www.geocities.com/dannsdinosaurs
Melbourne, Australia        http://heretichides.soffiles.com
___________________________________________________________________