Re: [Re: Platyhystrix and dinosaur humps/sails]

[archosaur@usa.net]

Figured I'd add my two cents as well.

I noticed that sail comparisons on the list ranged from many extinct
creatures, to a couple extant mammals. 

Since nobody mentioned any extant reptiles that have sails, I figured I might
as well.

At least two chameleon species (_C.quadricornis_ & _C.montium_) have bone
braced sails, like those on spinosauroids and other prehistoric animals.

In these species the sails are used for attracting females (who as you can
imagine, are sail-less) and possibly ward off other males.

Another group of lizards also have sail backs. Basilisks (in particular
_B.plumifrons_) and again it is used in mate attraction.

I'm unsure whether or not basilisks have a bony brace to their sails, but from
their external appearance, it does seem that way.

None of the lizards seem to use their sails for thermoregulating, though I
imagine that it would play a part, even if secondary.

Judging from this, I wonder just how important those sails were when it came
to regulating body temperature.

Meter's out, I'm done.

Jura

Jurassosaurus's Reptipage: A page devoted to the study of the reptilia:

http://reptilis.webjump.com

____________________________________________________________________
Get free email and a permanent address at http://www.netaddress.com/?N=1