>> I explained that Dinos aren't mamals, that
>> they are reptiles, or at least a close relative. I then pointed out that
>> snakes, lizards, turtles don't have fleshy ears either.
>
>Reptiles? REPTILES? AAAAUUUUUUGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHH!
>
>:-)
>
>The right relative, most experts agree, isn't reptiles but rather
>birds. Which also lack external ears. But both modern reptiles and
>birds have ears; there is simply no external ear flap.
Well, this expert, and many others, agree that dinosaurs ARE reptiles (and
birds ARE dinosaurs), and no member of Reptilia (aka Sauropsida, sort of)
has fleshy external ears. [But, yes, among the reptiles, birds are the
closest comparison].
Thomas R. Holtz, Jr.
tholtz@geochange.er.usgs.gov
Vertebrate Paleontologist in Exile Phone: 703-648-5280
U.S. Geological Survey FAX: 703-648-5420
Branch of Paleontology & Stratigraphy
MS 970 National Center
Reston, VA 22092
U.S.A.