[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index][Subject Index][Author Index]

Sloan et al. 1986 on Hell Creek dromaeosaurid teeth



Table 1 of Sloan et al. 1986 (Science 232: 629-633) lists _Velociraptor_ and _Saurornitholestes_ teeth as both occurring in the Hell Creek Formation. However, Figure 1 of the same paper shows only _Saurornitholestes_ and no _Velociraptor_. Table 1 does not include _Troodon_, which is indicated to be present by Figure 1. It occurred to me that perhaps the name "_Velociraptor_" was accidentally entered into Table 1 where _Troodon_ was meant, but Figure 1 shows _Troodon_ becoming extinct before _Saurornitholestes_, unlike the alleged _Velociraptor_ in Table 1. Does the Hell Creek Formation really have two distinct forms of "velociraptorine" tooth, one closer to _Saurornitholestes_ and the other closer to _Velociraptor_? Could _Saurornitholestes_ and _Velociraptor_ even be reliably distinguished from each other on the basis of isolated teeth?

_________________________________________________________________
Off to school, going on a trip, or moving? Windows Live (MSN) Messenger lets you stay in touch with friends and family wherever you go. Click here to find out how to sign up! http://www.telusmobility.com/msnxbox/