Size of Track-Maker


         The measure of choice for estimating dinosaur size is called height at the hip (h).  The unit h is defined as the length from the ground to the hip joint.  This measurement is useful since it can be applied easily to all dinosaurs and is not greatly dependent on the posture of the dinosaur.  Furthermore, this measurement is used to determine to gait and speed of a dinosaur.  A general estimate of h is determined from the following formula,

      h = 4FL

    where FL is the Foot Length of the track (distance from toe to heal).


    Height at the Hip (h).  (Thulborn, 1990)


 

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