Re: Who says dromaeosaurs can't fly?

[NJPharris@aol.com]

In a message dated 9/13/02 7:04:54 PM Eastern Daylight Time, 
TiJaWi@agron.iastate.edu writes:

> I agree - up to a point.  Are you advocating that _Cryptovolans_ had an
>  avian-style posture, with the femora largely tucked under the body?  (Now
>  that's a can of worms waiting to be opened...)

No, the femora in _Cryptovolans_ are long enough (and preserved in such a 
position) that I doubt it.

But I'm not sure I see your point--a nonbird theropod could have an effective 
leg length just as long as a secretary bird without having such elongated 
lower limb elements, since the femur would contribute to the effective leg 
length, unlike in modern birds.

--Nick P.