Re: semilunate carpal

[Dinogeorge@aol.com]

In a message dated 8/6/01 11:38:20 AM EST, twilliams_alpha@hotmail.com writes:

<< The elongate manus and forelimbs were evolved for much the same purpose in 
 maniraptoriforms - grabbing and siezing prey. >>

Here is the exact place where we differ. For in BCF, the elongate manus and 
forelimbs evolved as a wing for flying, and the grabbing-and-seizing-of-prey 
function is an exaptation of the wing in cursorial maniraptoriforms that 
evolved. No theropod or other dinosaur evolved its forelimbs >for< grabbing 
and seizing prey; they already had other means of predation available to 
them. The getting-up-on-two-legs-and-running body plans opened up to them 
along the arboreal-climbing-leaping-flying path to becoming birds.