Re: Stego/Ankylo limbs (really ceratopsian limbs)

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

From: Robert.J.Meyerson@uwrf.edu (Rob Meyerson)
 > >
 > >     As was recently brought to light however, they do not really=20
 > >coincide with the anatomical data.  That business with the Torosaurus=20
 > >arms and elastic bands put the ribs to wide, causing the scapula,=20
 > >corocoids to be displaced, and forcing the arms into a sprawling posture.
 > 
 > Do you know of any refs that support this point (I'd like to see them).

Well, the latest book on dinosaur tracks presents unequivocal evidence
that ceratopsian forlimbs were *not* sprawling.  Therefore *any*
skeletal reconstruction which requires such is shown to be in error.

The only skeletal reconsructions allowable are those that fit the
known trackways, since actual evidence of behavior is more direct,
and more conclusive, than *inferences* of behavior from skeletons.


Now, as I said before, the trackways are, just barely, consistant
with a *bowlegged* stance - *if* the wrist is rotated sharply outward
in the normal stance. (However with backwarding flexing elbows the
manus naturally fall in the position observed in the trackways, so
this seems more likely to me).

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

The peace of God be with you.