Re: The Magical, Mystery Ptero

["James R. Cunningham" <jrccea@bellsouth.net>]

Chris Bennett wrote:
> If the crest really was used as a sail as suggested by
> Cunningham, then it would seem that the sub-adult, but still skeletally
> immature, Field Museum specimen was unable to sail as fully adult
> individuals could.  That would seem to me to argue against a sail function
> of the crest.

I've tried to avoid the suggestion that there is physical evidence that
the crest supported a sail membrane, but rather have been looking at the
consequences should it have done so.  Personally, I don't think the lack
of ability to sail would be a detriment in the very young.  As an
analogue, an inability to fly doesn't appear to have been a detriment to
the very young.  Birds may be an example of that latter.  However,
Chris' point is well worth consideration.