Re: Gliders to Fliers? (Was Re: Ruben Strikes Back)

[NJPharris@aol.com]

In a message dated 9/26/99 1:17:51 AM Pacific Daylight Time, 
tlford@ix.netcom.com writes:

> Well, since I'm back at my computer I'll put in my 2 cents worth. IMHO there
>  was no decoupling of the front and hind legs in pre-flying birds because
>  they weren't connected by any type of membrane. They had 'FEATHERS' which 
>  do not connect to the arms and hind legs.

I think you misunderstand what I meant by "decoupling".  I am certainly not 
proposing that the fore-and hindlimbs of birds were ever physically connected 
by a membrane.  I use the term "decoupling" in the sense that the arms and 
legs of theropods function independently, the legs for walking/running and 
the arms for grasping/flying.

--Nick P.