Re: Copeing with mammals

[John Bois <jbois@umd5.umd.edu>]

On Sat, 20 Nov 2004, David Marjanovic wrote:

> > Indeed, if tooth-length can be extrapolated to niche usage,
> > at no time do the two clades share a niche.
>
> Which clearly shows that they never competed.

I took some time to superimpose the two graphs.  There is some overlap on
the temporal axis...but very little.  Rather than a replacement of extinct
species, it looks like a classic case of competition/predation.

> Nothing dead or alive can compete with a
> pteranodontid or azhdarchid.

Albatrosses.  It is conceivable that their juveniles are better than
pteros at avoiding long range aerial predators (e.g., frigate birds?).  If
so, they are better competitors.