Re: feathers, fibers, endothermy...

[Stanley Friesen <sarima@ix.netcom.com>]

At 11:41 AM 1/20/98 -0800, Gigi Babcock or Ralph Miller III wrote:
>  Further correlational support for
>the hypothesis of  early ectothermic avians was provided by 
>Chinsamy's bone histology studies that revealed, for example, that 
>_Patagopteryx_ and other early bird fossils exhibit LAGs (lines of 
>arrested growth). 

The difficulty with using this as evidence for or against ectothermy is
that LAG's are also known in some hibernating mammals, such as bats.  So,
as far as I can see, all LAG's show is seasonal cessation of growth.


--------------
May the peace of God be with you.         sarima@ix.netcom.com
                                          sfriesen@netlock.com