Re: Triceratops, assualt, and battery

[Philidor11@aol.com]

In a message dated 6/16/99 6:55:51 PM Eastern Daylight Time, 
Z966341@wpo.cso.niu.edu writes:

<<  In other words, the forelimbs of ceratopsians appear to be bent, with the 
elbows sticking out to the sides.
 
 The humerus of ceratopsians is very robust, and could probably take a bit of 
tensile stress (bending stress) without harm.  The olecranon process on the 
ulna (the "elbow" that you point to in your own arm, a place where an 
extensor muscle called the Triceps attaches) is very well developed, and you 
tend to see large olecranon processes in animals that have bent limbs >>

Okay, Matt, when something is true you have to believe it.
At the same time, consider that a very painful military discipline is 
remaining at present arms for a lengthy period of time.  Or, the other way 
around, think of a half pushup held for a long time.
My grandmother having had arthritis, the first time I saw a triceratops 
mounted in that (correct) position, I thought to myself 'that's gotta hurt'.  
But having the arms held out of the way does make it easier to lower the 
massive head, so the advantages must outweigh the disadvantages.
Thanks for explaining.   Please keep on; it's the only way to overcome 
instinctive stubbornness.
While you're at it, my other anatomical observation is plesiosaur necks.  
They're so much like swans' necks and the beak is so pointed that I get the 
picture of the plesiosaur floating along at or near the surface, stabbing its 
beak through the surface tension.  They wouldn't be continuous swimmers, just 
short bursts when necessary, sometimes stabbing from under water.  Anything 
known which would suppost or detract from this idea?
Thanks again.