Re: Hesperornis' feet

[Danvarner@aol.com]

 Chris_Collinson@monarch.net (Chris) asks:

<< After recenltly being caught chowing down on my foot, exclaiming lobed feet
as fact and not reailising I did not know the reasoning behind it, I figured
I'd better rectify the situation. So I ask: lobed like a greeb, or webed
like every other waterfowl. What's the evidence, or lack there of,
supporting either theory ? >>

       There is (or was) a specimen at the University of Kansas that 
preserved portions of the toe lobes as well as some of the plumage. Williston 
published on the specimen and shortly Mike Everhart will have the paper up at 
Oceans 
of Kansas (thanks to Mike for this information, btw). The specimen was utilized 
as reference for a model in the KU museum, as seen here at OOK:  
http://www.oceansofkansas.com/Hesperornis/hesfeet.jpg
       There are structural reasons for the lobed, greebe-like foot also, but 
I will leave that part to the bird experts here on the list. I think part of 
it has to do with the relative enormity of digit #4. Tim, Jaime...? DV