Griffins.

[aryll]

So I think someone should write a paper on sexual dimorphism in griffins. Were there evolutionary pressures that caused males to replace their wings with spikes? Are the spikes used in courtship displays? I find it interesting that the sexes would diverge to the degree that they fill different ecological niches. The only species I can think of

Comments

[momtoast]

Hey, you got pictures? I'll write the essay. :)

I love griffins. But I don't know (that) much about them. I don't know that they are preyed on by dragons so much as they have territorial battles. Though I suppose one would eat the other if there was nothing much else around to eat . . .

[aryll]

Ooo, that would be fun. Hmm.

[ubiq31]

Do it!

[tclefey]

I thought all griffins had wings, I thought that was part of what being a griffin was, I was unaware there was supposedly sexual dimorphism. I've never seen images of griffins with spikes instead of wings. Wings are a great advantage, one I doubt would evolve away...so maybe the female's spikes became wings?

[aryll]

Well, originally it was a heraldry joke, because that's the only place I can think of that griffins are dimorphic. Now it has taken on a life of its own.

[tclefey]

OK, so it's a joke within the SCA, at least I don't feel as dumb now.