Thropod hopping (was Re: dino mimicry)

[Stan Friesen <swf@ElSegundoCA.ATTGIS.COM>]

 From: AnmlPeople@aol.com
 >  Incidentally,  has anyone given thought to the notion that
 > many therapods might have hopped rather than run with a bipedal motion?

Yes, it's been considered, and rejected.

Cope, in particular thought they hopped.  (Look at some of the
reconstructions of Dryptosaurus done under his direction).

 > It's
 > interesting to me that kangaroos also have foreshortened arms and elongated
 > legs,  much like many of the larger therapods,  including T-rex. 

Yep, but it also has a more flexible tail - theropod tails were
stiff due to powerful ligaments holding them in place.  Also,
kangaroos are *herbivores*, and have different feeding requirements.

 > This
 > doesn't mean T-rex did the bunny-hop;  however,  many birds hop rather than
 > run,  and some do both,  depending on the situation. 

Birds have a different foot structure - birds are, well,
pigeon-toed, theropods were *not*.

swf@elsegundoca.attgis.com              sarima@netcom.com

The peace of God be with you.