Re: Cursorial adaptations (was T.rex and elephants)

[wa105@mead.anglia.ac.uk]

Dann wrote:

>                                          ... I can't see that the
>increase in protective properties of torosaurus frills would have been
>worth the inconvenience of such a large encumberance if it were for 
>protection alone. 

But in Torosaurus's case, the extended frill would have pushed the head's 
centre of gravity back.  Just like Pteranodon's crest.  This would surely 
enable the head to be moved faster with the same neck muscles.  Perhaps 
the incresed area of attachment for neck muscles (as well as jaw muscles) 
was a reason for the early frills, but I'm sure the bigger ones were gross 
overkill in this respect.

                                                                Bill