----- Original Message -----
From: "Neal Robbins" <ctn47496@...>
To: <ontheoriginofspecies@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Friday, September 10, 2004 2:48 PM
Subject: [On the Origin of Species] Bambiraptor


> Bambiraptor feinbergorum was a species of dinosaurs that lived during the
Cretaceous period. A 95% complete fossilized skeleton of it has been found
in Montana. The skeleton is of a speciman that is apparently not full grown;
it has a height of 1 foot (30 cm.), a length of 3 feet (about 1 m.), and a
weight of 7 lb. (3 kg). A 13 year old boy named Wes Linster found the
speciman in 1994. He made the discovery in the Two Medicine formation.
> This animal was a carnivore and had very sharp teeth. It was a member of
the raptor family, which includes many genera and species. They include
Velociraptor, Oviraptor, Utahraptor, etc. These creatures varied in size,
but all had the ability to move fast. They are believed to have hunted in
packs and were among the most intelligent dinosaurs.
> Bambiraptor had some bird-like traits; for example, the sternum was
ossified. An ossified sternum is essential for birds to be able to fly. The
arms of Bambiraptor resemble clawed wings. Bambiraptor is thought to have
possibly been feathered.
> The species was described in 2000 by Burnham, Derstler, Currie, Bakker,
Zhou & Ostrum. The description was emended by Olshevsky in 2000.
>
> Neal Robbins


When I look at the dromaeosaurs, and particularly some of the fascinating
Chinese fossils which preserve the traces of the feathers, It is tempting
to consider that the beginnings of flight began with the raptors as the
leapt toward prey. Perhaps, aided with feathered flapping, they perched in
trees or on outcrops to swoop down on prey. Given their anatomy, I don't
see the ability to stay aloft but they could have been able to take
"chicken-like" extended leaps. Perhaps raptors traveled in "flocks" rather
than herds.

Jack Kilmon