Re: gigantism as liability

[David Marjanovic <david.marjanovic@gmx.at>]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Graydon" <oak@uniserve.com>
Sent: Monday, November 17, 2008 3:15 AM

> > Perhaps by growing fast -- much faster than any turtle.
>
> Cryptic colouration, body form, temporary arboreal habitat, and
> scuttling through the undergrowth all come to mind as possibilities as
> well.

Arboreal habitat? For a sauropod, no matter how small, that's something I 
really can't imagine. Climbing with extremities and girdles like these has 
got to be impossible.

> > Also, I think sauropods were well able to put up a fight against any
> > predator up to around their own size, considering the thumb claws and
> > the tail and all.
>
> Are there any known juvenile sauropods complete enough to tell when the
> tail whip mechanisms or clubs formed?

I don't think so, but to whack someone, you don't need these extras...