RE: THEROPODS AS A 'BIRD FACTORY'

["Stewart, Dwight" <Dwight.Stewart@VLSI.com>]

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Matthew Troutman [SMTP:m_troutman@hotmail.com]
> Sent: Sunday, November 22, 1998 5:52 PM
> To:   dinosaur@usc.edu
> Subject:      THEROPODS AS A 'BIRD FACTORY'
> 
> Tom Holtz, this one's for you.
> 
> Just came from the library with Sereno et al.'s _Suchomimus_ paper, as 
> well as our very own Dr. Holtz's perspectie article: _Spinosaurs as 
> Crocodile Mimics_.  Both are excellent, however this post only pertains 
> to Dr. Holtz's article.  Within, Dr. Holtz states something that is 
> quite right:
> 
> "Theropod dinosaurs (bipedal, primarily carniviorous forms) have 
> received widespread attention in recent years owing to their importance 
> in understanding the origin of birds.  However, the evolution of 
> theropods was more than a "bird factory": Indeed, these dinosaurs 
> represent one of the most successful radiations of terrestrial predators 
> in Earth history."  Holtz, 1998; 1276.
> 
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         Therpods (to my mind) represent an excellent example of wonderfully
adapted body plan.  The aves
        connection, aside; Theropods were incredible creatures.  Even the
more massive specimens appeared
        graceful.  Or perhaps, biomechanically sound would be a less
subjective term?  

        Dwight