Re: Wilkinson's new pterosaur paper

[jrc <jrccea@bellsouth.net>]

I agree about sliding the proximal insertion point.  I note in passing that 
the shape of the ilium in lateral view often describes a superb 'form' for 
an aft camberline and that an aft ilium attachment (actually, a full-length 
ilium attachment) might accept the wing membrane loads at a slightly lower 
stress level while allowing the elbow to better modulate the inboard camber.
JimC

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Michael Habib" <mhabib5@jhmi.edu>
To: <dinosaur@usc.edu>
Sent: Wednesday, July 11, 2007 11:31 AM
Subject: Re: Wilkinson's new pterosaur paper


> I don't quite understand what you mean by "wingtip to elbow".  The wing 
> has to attach somewhere proximally.  I suspect that it attached near the 
> anterior edge of the ilium in most large pterosaurs, and perhaps to the 
> thigh in some others (and perhaps the ankle in a few forest-dwelling 
> taxa).  I see no reason why multiple attach points cannot exist in the 
> same clade.  It would simply mean "sliding" the proximal insertion point 
> developmentally.  Hardly seems impossible, or even improbable.
>
> Cheers,
>
> --Mike H.