Ceratopsid locomotion Re: Complaining

[GSP1954@aol.com]

I published on this with Christiansen in a couple of papers awhile back 
available in my CY at your gspauldino.com. It is probable that ceratopsids 
trotted or paced rather than galloped even if they were equally fast -- they 
have different heritages (rhinos from flexible backed quad small mammals that 
galloped, ceratopsids from stiff backed bipeds that added in the forelimbs to 
help carry the massive head and add power). It's a different way of doing 
things. Add to that the the trot/gallop transition speed at the size of 
Triceratops is so high. So I would strongly recommend against showing 
Triceratops 
sized quadrupeds galloping (likewise indricotheres are so large they would 
have trotted even if they could achieve a full run with their flexed, 
ungulate limbs). I am altering my Triceratops seems to show them trotting or 
pacing. Smaller ceratopsids are more optional, although I will never again 
illustrate them galloping (or any quad dinosaur). Since no one supports 5+ 
tonne 
galloping mammals these days no animator should so that. (This does not mean 
all big animals were slow like ambling elephants, just means they did not 
gallop to do so.) 

Ceratopsians small and big may have paced because they are so short coupled 
that their limbs could have interfered with one another in a standard trot, 
like giraffes. 

GSPaul


In a message dated 4/29/13 11:32:25 PM, bensen.daniel@gmail.com writes:

<< What's the literature on Triceratops locomotion? I'm writing a book where

people ride them and while I've been careful to avoid the word "gallop" I'd

like to be able to describe how they DID move at speed and at what speed. >>

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