Re: A ratite bibliographical query

[Dann Pigdon <dannj@alphalink.com.au>]

Stephan Pickering wrote:

> Casuarius casuarius (with the casque on the head) is
> the second largest living theopod (and the only living
> avian theropod with armour protection), weighing up to
> 83kg, and standing nearly 2m (6.5 feet)

I'm guessing that's the top end of the scale. Most are probably not that
large. But then again, who ever uses average size estimates? It's a well
known fact that all T.rex specimens came into existence spontaneously at
12+ metres long. :)

> Its middle pedal digit has a
> 120 mm (5 inch), spike-like ungual with which it can
> render a devastating blow to curious human tourists.

Actually it's the second toe (the inner most of the three). The same toe
that dromaeosaurs used. A well aimed cassowary kick is said to be able
to disembowl a human. However I'm guessing most blows end up in the
groin area, like that of most kangaroo attacks. The unkindest kick of
all...

-- 
________________________________________________________________

Dann Pigdon                   Australian Dinosaurs:
GIS / Archaeologist         http://www.geocities.com/dannsdinosaurs
Melbourne, Australia        http://www.alphalink.com.au/~dannj/
________________________________________________________________