Re: How Did T.Rex and other Dinosaurs Sleep?

[Phil Bigelow <bigelowp@juno.com>]

It might be useful to look at modern ground-dwelling birds (which are
dinosaurs, themselves) for a partial answer.

Large ratites usually sleep in a squatting position with their heads
tucked backwards and to the side (resting on the torso).  Although I have
see a few cases where they were resting (not sleeping) while laying on
their side.

A Troodon fossil was found in a sleeping position (or possibly a
protective position) that is identical to the sleeping/protective
position used by many modern ground birds.

Ducks and geese sleep in varied positions, ranging from a squatting
position with head raised (and often with one eye open!**) to curled up
with head tucked under the belly.

T. rex probably squatted during sleep, although laying on its side cannot
be ruled out.  It's head position during sleep is anyone's guess. 
Perching birds sleep in a standing (or semi-standing) position, but I am
unaware of any ground birds that do so.  So it is less likely that T. rex
slept in a standing position.

** Yes, some ducks and geese can sleep with one eye open as a defense
against predators.

<pb>
--

On Fri, 02 Dec 2005 11:15:09 -0700 (MST) "Richard W. Travsky"
<rtravsky@uwyo.edu> writes:
> On Fri, 2 Dec 2005, Imponderables Guy (sent by Nabble.com) wrote:
> > I write a series of books in which I answer mysteries sent in by 
> readers.
> >
> > One of my readers asked in what conceivable position the T.Rex 
> slept. 
> > The books I have consulted have been rather murky on the subject, 
> and I 
> > was wondering if anyone on this forum would have comments on the 
> > subject.
> >
> > 1. Do we know for a fact that dinosaurs slept?
> 
> It's been found that even fruit flies sleep. I do not think it
> out of line for a dinosaur in general, but, of course, there's no
> way to tell for sure.
> 
> > [...]
> 
> 


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