Re: Shuvuuia

[Mickey Mortimer <Mickey_Mortimer111@msn.com>]

Gera Mirantsev wrote-

>    I think that this skull is a juvenile Shuvuuia as it has short
preorbital region and large orbits.

Then you'll need to explain the numerous other differences.  Even if this is
an alvarezsaurid skull (and if it belongs to the postcrania exhibited with
it, it's not), it doesn't resemble Shuvuuia very closely.  The lacrimal
flange is external, not internal.  The nasals don't converge inwards
posteriorly to accomodate the prefrontals.  Instead the nasals extend
laterally to the anterior frontal tips.  Shuvuuia has a much more extensive
area anterior to fenestrae on the maxilla.  Then there are the other
differences I mentioned in prior posts.

Mickey Mortimer