Re: More on Digit Loss in Theropods

[Danvarner@aol.com]

In a message dated 10/23/01 8:27:58 AM Pacific Daylight Time, tijawi@hotmail.com writes:


<< As I'm sure Jaime is aware, some theropods had even *less* than three 
effective toes - at least during terrestrial locomotion.  Troodontids, 
dromaeosaurids and _Rahonavis_ were effectively didactyl when walking or 
running. >>

       Tim, I think I buy that for troodontids, but the velociraptors in the Fighting Dinosaurs exhibit showed a digit 2 in the same plane as 3 and 4. The only hyperflexed 2 was stuck in the Protoceratops. 



<< In modern birds (and I would say in non-avian theropods too) the hallux 
plays no role in terrestrial locomotion.  Many terrestrial and aquatic birds 
(i.e. birds that do not perch in trees) show an abbreviated, elevated or 
non-existent hallux. >>

       I'm watching a Great Blue Heron right now that leaves a distinctive hallux trace in its track. Roadrunners, too, I think. Ron? DV

>