[no subject]

It is clear that at least the sauropods reach the size where this
is effective.  It is arguable that the larger members of other
lineages also reach a sufficient size for inertial homeothermy.
[Living elephants seem to be intermediate between typical endotherms
and inertial homeotherms].

The current evidence seems to be favoring the conclusion that
the smaller dinosaurs, and the young of all dinosaurs, are
endothermic (aka "warm-blooded"), and that the adults of the
largest species switch to inertial homeothermy upon reaching
a sufficient size.

Definitions of other terms:

homeothermy:    maintaining an aproximately constant body temperature

poikilothermy:  NOT maintining a constant body temperature

endothermy:     regulating body temperature using internal metabolism

ectothermy:     regulating body temperature using behavior only

[Most small lizards are actually ectothermic homeotherms, most
mammals are endothermic homeotherms, many fish are ectothermic
poikilotherms].

swf@elsegundoca.ncr.com         sarima@netcom.com

The peace of God be with you.