Re: Did pterosaurs feed by skimming?

[Tim Williams <twilliams_alpha@hotmail.com>]

Mark Witton wrote:

> However, this is
> not to say that some pterosaurs don't have well-developed pedal claws:
> UV light on Pterodactylus and tapejarid material from the Solnhofen and
> Crato limestones show that some pterosaurs had enormous, recurved claws
> on their feet. They are relatively slender despite their length though,
> so any pterosaur trying to grab struggling prey with claws like these
> might've done more damage to itself than it would to its prey.

One study (so far unpublished, AFAIK) suggests that the foot-claws were 
adapted for walking and wading, and that the hand-claws were used for the 
manipulation of prey...

http://dml.cmnh.org/2007May/msg00423.html

Cheers

Tim

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