Re: Of course nonavian dinosaurs could fly - duh

[Graydon <oak@uniserve.com>]

On Sat, Sep 26, 2009 at 10:35:45AM -0400, GSP1954@aol.com scripsit:
> The authors of the Anchiornis paper are correct that animals with such
> extensive foot feathers are unlikely to have been well adapted for
> running about on the ground. 

Willow Ptarmigan have extensive foot-feathers and run fine.  Various
showy bantam chickens with really extensive foot feathers also run fine.

It's an argument against being selected for some kinds of cursorial
ability, maybe, but it's not an obvious indication of cursorial
inability.

-- Graydon