Re: Paedomorphosis ( Re: BARYONYX' CLAWS )

["Matthew Troutman" <m_troutman@hotmail.com>]

<<Why do I get this sick and uneasy feeling we're headed for yet another 
theory of "ornithogenesis?"  Suppose wings and feathers were an 
adaptation to diving, rather than flying, running or climbing.  Feathers 
are lousy insulation for archesaurs in air, but might be great 
insulation for divers (for, of course, divers reasons).  Increased 
oxygen capacity and endothermy? Adaptations for water.  Plus it has the 
advantage of delicious irony, completing the process of standing the 
pre-1970 dino world on its head. Actually the giant sauropods placidly 
munched leaves on dry land while the agile theropods cavorted in the 
waves.>>

     Diving and swimming are based entirely on thrust. No lift is 
involved. Feathers are pretty good insulators and streamline the body 
for flying. Most theropods do not have forelimbs capable of the task of 
swimming. They would be foot-propelled divers.

MattTroutman

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