Re: Dromaeosaur climbing & propulsive abilities (was Re: Jurassic Park 4Script Review)

[Chris Glen <s370548@student.uq.edu.au>]

> > This brings to mind the thought I've recently had about using the
> > sickle claw as a sort-of launch device, a possible 'nother reason for
> > the switchblade action the enlarged pedal claw apparently portays...
>
> Dromaeosaur sickle claws would have been poor climbing or launching
> devices. They were too thin and blade-like, built more for penetration
> than holding. Most climbing claws tend to be circular or ovoid in
> cross-section.
>
> If a dromaeosaur tried to push off with its sickle claws, there was a
> greater chance of it sinking its claws deeper into a substrate than
> pushing the animal up and away.

I agree, more of a hindrance than a help for this particular function.

> --
> ___________________________________________________________________
>
> Dann Pigdon
> GIS / Archaeologist         http://www.geocities.com/dannsdinosaurs
> Melbourne, Australia        http://heretichides.ravencommunity.net/
> ___________________________________________________________________

------------------------------------------------
Chris Glen
PhD candidate,
School of Biomedical Science
Anatomy and Developmental Biology Dept.,
University of Queensland
Q 4072, AUSTRALIA
Room: 418
Phone: (07) 3365 2720
Mob: 0408 986 301
Email: c.glen@.uq.edu.au
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One Late Mesozoic mammal to an other after a hard day of dodging
dinosaur feet and droppings, only to find their burrow trampled:
"Hey, a falling star, make a wish."