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Stegosaurs, Toucans and Thermoregulation
Topic Started: Sep 26 2009, 10:23 AM (330 Views)
lamna
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I was reading my copy of BBC Wildlife Magazine when I saw an article on toucans. scientists observed with thermal cameras how toucans use their massive bills for heat exchange and that got me thinking. Toucans are related Stegosaurs, albeit it a bit distantly and the structure of Toucan's beaks and Stegosaur's plate are roughly similer, bone with a rich blood supply and a layer of keratin on top.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/8165895.stm

I think this could bring more weight to the idea that they were for heat exchange and not solely for display. Both Elephants and Toucans use their heat exchange devices (ears and bills) for display, why not them?

I'm starting to wonder if the frills of ceratopsians did not start out as a way to cool the animal and ended up being for display too.
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Carlos
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Interesting indeed. I really don't know how ceratopsian frills evolved, and they might have started as part of the bone structure dedicated to support the jaw muscles before evolving into that stravagant direction.

Modern crocs also use their scutes as thermoregulation devices, which only makes you even more right
Lemuria:
http://s1.zetaboards.com/Conceptual_Evolution/topic/5724950/

Terra Alternativa:
http://s1.zetaboards.com/Conceptual_Evolution/forum/460637/

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lamna
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They do? They look so small, I suppose they have loads though.
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Fósseis Vibos: Reserva Natural


34 MYH, 4 tonne dinosaur.
T.Neo
 
Are nipples or genitals necessary, lamna?
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Carlos
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I think they do that mainly with the long ones they have in the tail, which form the "tail fin". Most likely they use the other ones as well, since they have their entire backs covered in scutes
Lemuria:
http://s1.zetaboards.com/Conceptual_Evolution/topic/5724950/

Terra Alternativa:
http://s1.zetaboards.com/Conceptual_Evolution/forum/460637/

My Patreon:

https://www.patreon.com/Carliro

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lamna
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Yeah the surface area must really add up.
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Fósseis Vibos: Reserva Natural


34 MYH, 4 tonne dinosaur.
T.Neo
 
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