Re: Albino Dino

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

Jura writes: 

> 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.

Arctic foxes change their fur colour from white to brown to suit the 
seasons. Downy polar dinosaurs may have been able to do the same. 

> 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.

In south-eastern Australia during the Early Cretaceous at least, the moon 
apparently never waned below half-full during the winter, so there was no 
complete darkness at the time. 

___________________________________________________________________ 

Dann Pigdon
GIS / Archaeologist              http://geo_cities.com/dannsdinosaurs
Melbourne, Australia             http://heretichides.soffiles.com
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