Re: Cephalopod parasites (from R. Kaesler)

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Date: Sat, 12 Aug 1995 14:44:44 -0500 (CDT)
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From: kaesler@KUHUB.CC.UKANS.EDU (Roger L. Kaesler)
Subject: Re: Cephalopod parasites (from N. Monks)
To: paleonet-owner@nhm.ac.uk
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Dear colleagues:

Perhaps searching for function of the calcite blisters in adult ammonoids
is like searching for the function of irregularities of calcium chemistry
in adult humans--you know, such features as arthritis, kidney stones (often
calcium oxalate), and osteoporosis.  I don't have any idea how one would
test such an idea.  Rudwick's discussion on the asymmetry of statements
regarding adaptation comes to mind.  One can show function if it exists,
but one can never conclusively demonstrate that a morphological feature has
no function.  Instead, one is always open to the charge that one did not
look quite hard enough.  A little more research might demonstrate the
function.

Is there a chance these blisters are simply gerontic malformations?

Best wishes,

Roger L. Kaesler

--
Roger L. Kaesler
Paleontological Institute
The University of Kansas
121 Lindley Hall
Lawrence, Kansas 66045-2911
(913) 864-3338 = telephone
(913) 864-5276 = FAX