Re: semilunate carpal

[Dinogeorge@aol.com]

In a message dated 8/9/01 4:02:39 PM EST, smithjb@sas.upenn.edu writes:

<< I don't immediately recall suggesting that we NAME isolated teeth.  I also 
don't
 remember stating that we should presume that theropod tooth genera are 
anything
 but Latinized specimen numbers.  However, isolated parts are a fact of life 
when
 dealing with fossil vertebrates and it is probably in our best interests to
 focus some attention and energy on dealing with such elements. >>

Let's just say that certain teeth are evidence for the existence of some 
kinds of theropods in the horizons they're found in, but not much good for 
anything else. I don't think you can infer the existence of >maniraptorans< 
in a horizon solely on the basis of teeth; theropod teeth are diagnostic to 
suborder or family at best. Look at the problems Aublysodon teeth have caused.