Re: OH NO! NOT "RAPTORS" AGAIN!

["Peter Von Sholly" <vonrex@gte.net>]

Speaking of terms, here's something I'd like to know about:  If
"ornithopod" means bird-foot, why are the various tridactyl meat eaters
whose feet are extremely birdlike called "theropods" which means beast
foot?   (Beast foot being much more applicable to so-called "sauropods" -
whose feet do not seem especially "saurian" and "ornithopods" whose feet
are not as birdlike in general as the "theropods").  It seem completely
backwards!  Likewise the terms "sauischian" and "ornithischian" which refer
to the ischium whereas the bigger difference between the two types of
pelvis seems to be in the pubis?

> Language is power.  It shapes our relationships.  It's really
> important.  
> 
> So I feel that we should discuss terminology -- it's healthy.  Too
> much discussion might *not* be healthy, it's true.  But I'm distressed
> to see people write "terminology doesn't matter.  HERE'S what
> matters."  Let's give language it's due.
> 
> Larry
> http://members.tripod.com/~megalania/index.html
> 
> _________________________________________________________
> DO YOU YAHOO!?
> Get your free @yahoo.com address at http://mail.yahoo.com