Re: Sky Monsters (w/spoilers)

[Michael Habib <mhabib5@jhmi.edu>]

> > Too bad they made the 'azhdarchid' to be a scavenger. It's really 
> > built
> > more like a stork or heron.
>
> In my mind, the azhdarchid Quetzalcoatlus is clearly a skimmer with a 
> number of specializations for skimming and flight in ground effect.  
> That said, I don't see any reason why they wouldn't pick up a tasty 
> tidbit off the ground, should they notice one while hungry.

I've hardly made up my mind on feeding biology in Quetzalcoatlus.  
However, I would like to note that it is not actually all that stork or 
heron like with regards to feeding-related anatomy (though there are 
enough superficial similarities in the face for it to be a tempting 
thought).

Most importantly, rapid-striking in the heron or stork style requires a 
fairly flexible neck.  They have lots of short cervicals that anchor a 
large number of short muscles in the neck.  Such a setup is, in fact, 
quite the opposite of the azhdarchid arrangement (where you get a few 
short cervicals likely anchoring small numbers of long muscles).

Now, not all storks use rapid striking, but those that don't are 
largely ground-feeding scavengers.


Cheers,

--Mike Habib