Re: Jurassic Park

[Scott A Hartman <ottscay@uwyo.edu>]

>>>Where goes the limit between _scales_, _"proto feathers"_ and
_feathers_?
Which of those was what _Longisquama_ was full of? <<<

I wish I, or anyone else, could tell you what Longisquama had.  However,
even if it turns out that it posessed proto-feather like insulation, it
doesn't falsify the theropod-bird linneage any more than fur-like feathers
on pterosaurs does.  If we can test the biochemical composition of
pterosaur "fur" like Mary Schweitzer (sic?) did on monoykus, than it's
theoretically possible we could establish homology with theropod
insulation.  If so, then a fur-like feather could be primitive for
archosaurs.  Personally, I doubt that's the case.  And worse, we need real
preservation of pterosaur integument, not lithographic limestone
impressions.  Trip to the Santana Formation anyone?

Scott Hartman