Re: ceratopsian forelimbs and the galloping question

["Martin Brazeau" <brazeaumartin@hotmail.com>]

Buckaroobwana wrote:

> I saw a documentary recently that discussed the controversy over the front
> legs of ceratopsians. As I understand it, a new articulated specimen was
> discovered that revealed the true placement of the legs and it showed that
> horned dinosaurs could indeed gallop. Is this the case? If anybody has
> firsthand info I would be pleased to see it.
>                                                         thanks
>                                                             Buckaroobwana

Recently I saw a ceratopsian specimen at the Canadian Museum of Nature 
(unfortunately, I do not feel that it is right for me to go into details 
about this specimen. Doing so could lead to conflict with a researcher who I 
do consider to be my friend). The specimen was still in its matrix at the 
time and its posture suggested a sprawling configuration.

I believe I saw the same documentary and that _Triceratops_ specimen 
appeared to be laying on its side. So, if the animal did have a sprawling 
configuration to its legs, and it were lying on its side, when the flesh 
then decayed, it is likely that the humeri would be forced to rotate under 
the body.

I don't pretend to be a trained (and experienced) paleontologist, but from 
what I have seen, I don't think that the posture of the fossil animal as it 
appears in its matrix is all that indicative of its posture in life.

All the best,
Martin

Martin Brazeau
1st Year Pure&Applied Science
Heritage College
Hull Quebec
Canada

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