--- In SkunkworksAMA_at_y..., dr_faraday_at_y... wrote:
> I just had a look at Monique's unique version of x-ray power and I
> was struck by a certain thought that I would like to have the
group's
> input on.
> Specifically, should artwork of morphic bats have any anatomical
> remnants of the calcar process? I can see arguments for both sides
> of the issue....
> First let us look at the importance of the calcar. It is the
> anchoring structure for the posterior sections of the
> uropatagium...er..hind wing membrane. This little bony outgrowth
> sometimes serves as an insect "scooper" for smaller bats and looks
> very much like a sixth digit arranged somewhat like an inverted
> rooster spur. The attachment point of the calcar is completely
> different between the mega-chiropterans (uber-bats) and the
> microchiropterans (itty-bitty bats).
> So than let us think about what the picture of Monique's skeleton
> would look like with the calcar attached as it would be on a fruit
> bat. Fruit bats are mostly megachiropterans so the calcar would
> articulate, let's see...floating above the m. gastrocnemial tendon!
> So then we have to take into account if Monique is plantigrade or
> digitigrade, looks like she's digitigrade so there would be a
> flexible wingspur coming out of the backs of her lower thighs just
> below the knees, I believe.
> However this could be considered unnecessary since JMH has decided
to
> not include any wing membrane at all on the hindlegs or
hindquarters.
> What do you think? Should there be a rudiment? Or not? Would it
> look silly?
> My personal opinion is that back leg spikes would give more of
> a "warrior aesthetic" to the character.
> Dr.faraday
>
> Reference: Schutt, W.A., Jr., and N.B. Simmons. 1998. Morphology
> and homology of the chiropteran calcar, with comments on the
> phylogenetic relationships of Archaeopteropus. Journal of
Mammalian
> Evolution, 5: 1-32
Damn. Someone sure did their homework. Good research, man. I
generally try to leave some of the more unusual body mechanics out,
in an effort to create a more "uniform" appearance for all the
different species. Imagine having to be a doctor or a surgeon in a
world inhabited by these creatures! It'd be easier if they all
shared skeletal similarities.
Since the entire concept is fantasy, I've merely played off the
wing-thing by saying the bats have much denser (and far more
powerful) muscle structures. You'd need to be strong as hell to get
off the ground! Plus, it's easier to dress the characters in
something if they don't have an attachment that runs most of the
length of their sides. But good points, man.
--JMH
Received on Wed Dec 05 2001 - 02:39:51 CST