Re: Sauropod Biology

[Tim Williams <twilliams_alpha@hotmail.com>]

Jaime Headden wrote:

>   Additionally, therizinosaurs possess elongated, non opposing or hooking
> digits on long arms, unlike "prosauropods" with their "twist thumbs" and 
> very
> robust forelimbs.

The non-opposable pollex appears to be common to all maniraptorans.  For 
some reason maniraptorans lost the one-handed prehension ability that was 
primitive for dinosaurs.

>   I don't think lumping therizinosaurs and "prosauropods" in the same 
> basket
> will help the case.

I tend to agree.  Although therizinosaurs and prosauropods do show 
convergences in overall body plan, the anatomical differences far outweigh 
the similarities.

David Marjanovic wrote:

> An SVP meeting abstract from last year says _all_ "prosauropods" so far 
> investigated were incapable of walking on their forelimbs.

Alone, or in combination with the hindlimbs?


;-)


Cheers

Tim