Rugops and pachycephalsoaurs

[Tim Williams <twilliams_alpha@hotmail.com>]

Michael Skrepnick wrote:

> I know where you're going in terms of "cornified rhamphotheca", but Paul's
> suggestion was only in reference to the material being closely appressed to
> the skull ( not extending into cutting edges) as is reflected in their
> collaborative fleshed out model.

Yeah, I wasn't at all keen on the idea that the horny sheath formed a tomial 
(cutting) edge, like a beak.  Rather, the horny sheath would be more like 
that previously proposed for _Carcharodontosaurus_ and _Alioramus_.

Pachycephalosaurs may also have had a large part of the skull roof covered 
by a horny sheath.  According to Goodwin and Horner (2004), the rugose, 
dome-like skull roof of pachycephalosaurs might have supported an elaborate 
keratinous structure, maybe even a tall crest or horn.  (Thanks to Mary for 
forwarding the news story to the list.)


Tim

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