maniraptoran synapomorphies

["Ken Kinman" <kinman@hotmail.com>]

    Are there any particularly (dare I say it) "strong" diagnostic 
synapomorphies for the Maniraptora of most workers (i.e., excluding 
Tyrannosaurs)?
    Can the enlarged semilunate carpal or the enlarged sternum be 
quantified in some way that would render them strongly diagnostic of 
Maniraptora?
    How about the enlarged digit 3 of the manus, and the hyperextendable 
digit (2?) on the pes?  Or the preacetabular blade of ilium being 
dorso-ventrally elongate (again quantifiable?).  And, of course, the often 
cited lateral shoulder joint (absent in Caudipteryx?).  Did I miss any other 
good synapomorphy candidates?
            ------Ken

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