Re: Albino Dino

[Jura <pristichampsus@yahoo.com>]

--- Dann Pigdon <dannj@alphalink.com.au> wrote:

> Although if the theropod lived in polar regions,
> being white might be 
> advantageous. Of course there's a big difference
> between just having white 
> colouration and albinism. 

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

That's assuming the polar region was very snowy, which
given Mesozoic climes, would be unlikely. Even if it
was snowy, it probably wasn't a permanent trait of the
environment, and may not have housed any dinosaurs
hunting during those times.

I'd think a black colouration would be more
advantageous in polar situations. For one, it would
allow for quicker warming up during the daylight
(bradymetabolic, or tachymetabolic, most animals enjoy
a good sunbath). Plus, since it would be a polar area,
there would be large stretches of time spent in
complete darkness. Being all white during dark times,
would seem to be a good way to get spotted.

Jason

"I am impressed by the fact that we know less about many modern [reptile] types 
than we do of many fossil groups." - Alfred S. Romer