Re: semilunate carpal

["Tim Williams" <twilliams_alpha@hotmail.com>]

> Patrick Norton wrote:
>
> > >(2) Aerial locomotion: The "swivel wrist" was evolved for orientational
> > control (steering and stability) during aerial descents.<
> >
> > Tim, that is not at all what I'm saying. I'm talking only about evolution
> > of aerodynamic orientational control in cursorial animals.
>
> Then I apologize for the misinterpretion.  Orientational control during
> aerial "ascents".

Change that to "aerodynamic orientational control in cursorial animals".  
Sorry, Pat, I think I misinterpreted you again!

I actually like the idea of the feathered forelimb and manus being used for 
aerodynamic orientation.  However, I think they were used in aerial descents 
by climbing theropods.  I also think this aerodynamic ability of the 
forelimb came after (and directly from) the predatory stroke.


Tim


---------------------------------------------------------------------

Timothy J. Williams

USDA-ARS Researcher
Agronomy Hall
Iowa State University
Ames IA 50014

Phone: 515 294 9233
Fax:   515 294 3163


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