Re: Rugops, a scavenger?

[Michael Skrepnick <palaeopaint@dinosaursinart.com>]

Hi Eric,

Sorry, I should have mentioned my understanding is that skull material is
mainly what was found at the site and I am not aware of a 2nd specimen.  The
relative head to body size was in association with our understanding of
general proportions in abelisaurids as a whole.  I take it he assumes that
future post crania to be discovered would support the smaller head to torso
ratio than is typical of other large theropods.  Of course, it would be
preferable if Paul were posting to the list to address these issues himself,
but I thought as I was there, it might be helpful if I attempted to untangle
some of the "media spaghetti" which is to be expected at announcement events
like these.

Cheers,

Mike S


> Michael Skrepnick wrote:
> > Paul Sereno indeed considers this dinosaur to be a scavenger because of
> > the
> > relatively smaller head to body size in this genus, as well as smaller
> > tooth
> > crowns overall.
>
> I thought only the skull had been found?
>
> Eric Hall
>