RE: Introducing: Sinovenator changii

["Thomas R. Holtz, Jr." <tholtz@geol.umd.edu>]

> From: NJPharris@aol.com [mailto:NJPharris@aol.com]
>
> In a message dated 2/13/02 5:12:45 PM Eastern Standard Time,
> tholtz@geol.umd.edu writes:
>
> >              Deinonychosauria
> >                 Troodontidae
> >                   Sinovenator
> >                   all later troodontids
> >                 Dromaeosauridae
> >                   Sinornithosaurus
> >                   all later dromaeosaurids
>
> Does the last category include _Microraptor_?

_Microraptor_ is not included in this analysis.  Given the fact that
_Micro._, like _Sinornithosaurus_, seems to show more "troodontid"-like
features than the big bruiser dromaeosaurs of the mid-to Late K, it would be
extremely interesting to see how adding it to the analysis would affect the
shape of the tree.  Of course, that would require more detailed study of the
_Micro._ material.

Also of interest would be the position of "Dave" (if it is distinct from
_Micro._ and/or _Sinornithosaurus_).

                Thomas R. Holtz, Jr.
                Vertebrate Paleontologist
Department of Geology           Director, Earth, Life & Time Program
University of Maryland          College Park Scholars
                College Park, MD  20742
http://www.geol.umd.edu/~tholtz/tholtz.htm
http://www.geol.umd.edu/~jmerck/eltsite
Phone:  301-405-4084    Email:  tholtz@geol.umd.edu
Fax (Geol):  301-314-9661       Fax (CPS-ELT): 301-405-0796