Re: CROCODYLOMORPH ENDOTHERMY

["Nicholas J. Pharris" <pharrinj@PLU.edu>]

On Thu, 25 Jan 1996 Dinogeorge@aol.com wrote:

> In a message dated 96-01-25 17:47:56 EST, pharrinj@PLU.edu (Nicholas J.
> Pharris) writes:
> 
> >I'm also not convinced that ectotherms would need or could use "long, 
> >erect limbs and tall bodies," hence my suspicion that these features 
> >evolved in endothermic crocodilian predecessors (and that all other 
> >animals which show these feautures--other thecodontians, all dinosaurs, 
> >and all therapsids, including mammals--were/are also endothermic to one 
> >degree or another).
> 
> So extant crocodylians are secondarily ectothermic??
> 

Just as they are secondarily sprawling, have secondarily short necks and 
limbs, and have a secondarily imperfectly divided heart.  Anyway, I heard 
someone mention that crocs do retain *some* heat-producing capability.

Nick Pharris
Pacific Lutheran University
Tacoma, WA 98447
(206)535-8204
PharriNJ@PLU.edu

"If you can't convince them, confuse them." -- Harry S. Truman