Shell-Shocked

[rjmeyer@ix.netcom.com (Rob Meyerson)]

I have a two part question about the evolution of hard shelled eggs.  Now, we 
have crocodilians on one end (who I will use as the primitive condition) and 
modern birds on the other.  Where, in between these two, did hard-shelled eggs 
evolve?  The Mongolia expeditions have uncovered many ornithischian eggs that 
appear to have had hard shells, so the transition may have happened early.

Is it possible that, by developing hard-shelled eggs, the protodinosaurs gained 
the advantage they needed to dominate the planet (a hard shelled egg is harder 
for a nest robber)?

Comments?


Rob Meyerson

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