Re: ceratopsian reconstruction

[JCMcL <darwincr@laplaza.taos.nm.us>]

On Tue, 16 Jan 1996 pharrinj@PLU.edu wrote:

> 
> 
> On Tue, 16 Jan 1996 ArtSippo@aol.com wrote:
> 
> > After reading McLoughlin's book I went back to look at the ceratopsian
> > exhibits in the AMNH in Manhattan.  Low and behold there were 2 fenestra 
> > just
> > behind the eyes at the base of the frill which in the protoceratops 
> > specimens
> > wasa filled in with plaster!  All of the ceratopsian skulls had them and 
> > they
> > were consistent with paths for tendons from muscles attached to the frills.
> >  If you look at the frills, there appears to be muscle insertions along the
> > edges.  Also, most of the more advanced ceratopsian frills had fenestrae in
> > the main portion of hte frill which light have allowed for muscles expansion
> > during contraction.  
> > 
> > What sayeth the professional cognoscienti?
> > 
> > Art
> > 
> 
> I couldn't tell you what the prfessional COGNOSCENTI say, but last I 
> heard those muscle attachment points were for JAW muscles coming through 
> the skull.
> 
Precisely the point in my restoration in ARCHOSAURIA.  Many thanks.  I 
still think, though, that the "decorated" rim of the frill protruded more 
beyond the line of musculature than in my drawing in the book.

Have fun.

John McLoughlin