Re: *Longisquama* Furcula?

[Dinogeorge@aol.com]

In a message dated 8/13/99 4:36:50 PM EST, qilongia@yahoo.com writes:

<< Thus, to my eyes, a furcula in *Longisquama* would
 serve no aerial purpose to the extent of my knowledge
 of the functions thereof [big disclaimer, folks].
 Furthermore, hypotheses of the function of a furcula
 as an aerial adaptation fall short of proving
 *Longisquama* a theropod or dinosaur. >>

Presence of furcula and feathers (two fairly robust characters) supports 
placement of Longisquama within or basal to Theropoda. It's a funny-looking 
theropod, with a funny-looking furcula and funny-looking feathers--but then, 
Therizinosaurus is supposed to be a pretty funny-looking maniraptoran, right?