theropod ribs

["James Norton" <JNorton@mailbox.une.edu>]

A question for the group, generated by conflicting observations of skeletal 
restoration, skeletal drawings, and personal communications:

If I had a perfectly preserved theropod thoracic rib and laid it on a table, 
would it lie flat?  Or, asking the question in another (probably clearer) way, 
are theropod ribs two-dimensional with the articulations and the curvature of 
the rib all in the same plane?  It makes a big difference for anyone (such as 
myself) trying to model the ventilatory movements of the theropod thorax. 
Thanks.


James M. Norton, Ph.D.
University of New England
College of Osteopathic Medicine
11 Hill's Beach Road
Biddeford, ME  04005
phone: (207)283-0171 x2270
fax: (207)286-9493
email: jnorton@mailbox.une.edu