RE: Alvarezsaur spurs (was Re: dino-lice)

[Anthony Docimo <keenir@hotmail.com>]

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> Date: Mon, 2 May 2011 14:09:30 +1000
> From: tijawi@gmail.com
> To: dinosaur@usc.edu
> Subject: Re: Alvarezsaur spurs (was Re: dino-lice)
>
> Anthony Docimo wrote:
>
> > and for bipeds (such as Alvarezsaurs), it may be a cost they simply cannot 
> > afford.
>
> Yes, I meant to say that I was only referring to quadrupeds.
> Cursorial bipeds (like alvarezsaurs) can do what they like with their
> forelimbs.
 
> > I think there's a third similarity you skipped over: that both Ardwolves 
> > and Alvarezsaurs have preferred to focus on the ability to "run away! run 
> > away!" very quickly, over having Therizinosaur-like defenses.
>
>
> I avoided mentioning this because aardwolves retain the prominent
> canines, strong jaw muscles, and sharp claws of their hyaenid
> forbears, so they do have the option of staying and fighting (though
> it's certainly not the preferred option!).
 
>From what I can recall, though, the canines are used for fighting members of 
>their own species, more often than members of other species.  could an 
>Aardwolf bite an attacker?  sure - but in terms of last-ditch resorts, it 
>falls somewhere between Giant Anteaters using their claws, and T.rex lying 
>down (or falling, if uncharitable in description) on someone.