Re: T-rex arms

[ornstn@inforamp.net (Ronald Orenstein)]

>Jeffrey Martz writes:
>
>>>  Tyrannosaurids and Mononykus didn't have any opposable fingers.  The only
>way for them to hold on to something would be to puncture it with thier
>claws.  This is why I've never cared for the sex grapple idea, unless they
>were really kinky or something.  -- LN Jeff<<
>
>Adduction, Jeffrey, adduction brings the claws together under the neck, as in
>climbing pterosaurs.
>
>DPterosaur


Thought experiment: clench your fists - or better yet, imagine your arms had
been amputated somewhere near the elbow joint - and try to pick up and
manipulate objects, grasp things (a mate if you have one handy, lucky you)
or even climb a tree.  Now imagine Mononykus doing the same things.  THEN
tell me how well the forearms of Monnykus  are adapted for grasping.
--
Ronald I. Orenstein                           Phone: (905) 820-7886 (home)
International Wildlife Coalition              Fax/Modem: (905) 569-0116 (home)
Home: 1825 Shady Creek Court                  Messages: (416) 368-4661
Mississauga, Ontario, Canada L5L 3W2          Internet: ornstn@inforamp.net
Office: 130 Adelaide Street W., Suite 1940    
Toronto, Ontario Canada M5H 3P5