Re: The retroverted hallux of birds

["Henri Rönkkö" <overmind@iobox.fi>]

Thanks for the answer, Jaime. I'd like to present a few questions and a few 
comments.

- beginning of snip -

As
> demonstrated at SVP in Denver oh so many years ago! ('99) you can
> easily arrive at a retroverted hallux by twisting the shaft of the
> first metatarsal, which retains a long contact with the second
> metatarsal, and the contact would in more advanced birds shift to the
> sole of the foot and further orient in line with the third toe.

- end of snip -

So the first metatarsal does articulate to the second, huh? It doesn't do that 
in other animals than predatory dinosaurs, does it?

- beginning of snip -

 The
> metatarsal (i) retains a ball-and-socket joint, which adds tremendous
> flexibility.

- end of snip -

You mean that this ball-and-socket joint joins the metatarsal (I) to the digit 
(I)?

- beginning of snip -

Metatarsal I remains a distinct element even in some advanced
> fossil birds, but ornithurines all have fully fused metatarsals, if I'm
> not mistaken.

- end of snip -

Not the Dorking Fowl!

Cordially,
Henri Rönkkö
----
Soittoäänet ja ikonit matkapuhelimeen!  http://www.iobox.fi/