re: Conway's Nyctosaurus Restoration

[David Peters <davidrpeters@earthlink.net>]

Dan Varner wrote:

 Mike Everhart has just posted John Conway's new restoration of
Nyctosaurus at Oceans of Kansas:
       http://www.oceansofkansas.com/Marsh76.htm
       I recommend a look at it as it is a very intriguing and
thought-provoking image (as are most of John's pieces). It's also quite
beautiful and
atmospheric.
       Also, I'd like to note that OOK was singled out in the August 1
issue
of Science:
       http://www.sciencemag.org/content/current/netwatch.shtml

       DV


Was wondering if the super-crest did indeed frame a sail-like dermis?
There is a funny-looking dermis-like matrix _anterior_ to the "main
mast" in one of the specimens, similar to the placement, or presumed
placement, in a number of related forms [Germanodacs, Dsungaripterids,
Tupuxuarids], but none, so far as I know, "aft of the beam", as in
Tapejara.

And what is that funny-looking dermis-like matrix _anterior_ to the
"main mast"?

Great painting!

David Peters
St. Louis