Re: Lamarckian

[Philidor11@aol.com]

In a message dated 11/11/98 2:07:45 PM Eastern Standard Time,
th81@umail.umd.edu writes:

<< Among the ancestors of the maniraptorans, there existed some variants in
the
 population with arms somewhat longer than their kin.  These elongated limbs
 favored their bearers, as they had a wider grasping area than other members
 of their population.  With a greater success rate at killing, they had a
 better than average chance of surviving to adulthood, and passing on this
trait. >>

I was hoping that the rephrasing might also include references to pack hunting
and other behaviors such as the choice of prey and the manner used to attack
them.
I notice the number of different social activities mentioned such as herding,
migration, and nursery areas, and it seemed that a number of animals were
transmitting behaviors learned in life along with related physical
characteristics through the generations.
Speaking of behaviors, I'm still wondering how a crocodile (alligator?) first
'thought' of picking up offspring in her mouth and carrying them to a safer
location.  Even more, how on earth she 'taught' the other crocs.  I know
teaching is a difficult profession, I've tried to introduce new forms to
correctional officers, but that has to be some kind of record.