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RE: Correction to RE: Syntarsus says farewell...
Mickey Mortimer wrote:
>Now, now Tim. You're not being quite fair there.
I know, I know. I'm just a diehard cynic.
>We ALSO have one
>species with good evidence of sexual dimorphism (though which sex
>corresponds to which morph is unknown).
The idea of sexual dimorphism for the Ghost Ranch _Coelophysis bauri_ has
been disputed. I'll try and rustle up the references. Might be an SVP
abstract on it.
>And we have evidence of cannibalism of young
>in that species (sort of a brooding behavior).
Ah yes - but as discussed on this list (as David and Rob mentioned), the big
_Coelophysis_ may be lying on top of the bubba _Coelophysis_. I don't think
this has been published yet. I remember seeing these specimens at the AMNH,
but I didn't pay very close attention.
>Finally, there's the
>phylogenetic bracket between living crocodilians and birds we can depend
>on to provide precise data, as the reproductive strategies and brooding
>behavior of crocodilians and basal neornithines are so very similar.
This is pretty broad; we know nothing specific about early Mesozoic
theropods. For all we know, the Ghost Ranch site may preserve a
_Coelophysis_ Bacchanalia.
>Oh yes, this flood of untapped data will no doubt bring forth a new era >of
dinosaurian study, to rival the renaissance of the 1970's. Hell, why >am I
researching coelurosaur phylogeny when I can be examining the >courting
behavior of Alwalkeria in their natural habitat? Off to the >field! ;-)
Knock yourself out Mickey. :-) Try and collect some dinosaur pheromones
while you're out there.
Tim
------------------------------------------------------------
Timothy J. Williams
USDA/ARS Researcher
Agronomy Hall
Iowa State University
Ames IA 50014
Phone: 515 294 9233
Fax: 515 294 3163