Talk:John H. Ruben

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EvoWiki readers should regard "JGK"'s contribution with caution. Ruben's work on dinosaur paleobiology has hardly "been extensively refuted by numerous researchers." For example, in the latest issue (2nd edition, 2004) of The Dinosauria (i.e., the current "bible" of dinosaur biology), Ruben's interpretations of dinosaur metabolic physiology and theropod breathing mechanisms comprise the core of the volume's extensive chapter on "dinosaur physiology" (by A. Chinsamy and J. Hillenius). In addition, his extensive, invited review of "Respiratory and reproductive paleophysiology of dinosaurs and early birds" appeared recently in the highly prestigious international journal Physiological and Biochemical Zoology (2003, 76[2]:141-164). Most of his contributions have appeared previously in the international journals Science and Nature and underwent extensive peer-review before their publication.

Ruben's ideas are controversial, sometimes unpopular with dinosaur "aficianados" and are often inconsistent with conventional concepts of dinosaur biology. However, the core of his work has clearly not been invalidated, refuted or falsified.

Finally, readers should be aware that the reference that JGK cites as critical of Ruben's work (i.e., Paul, 2002) is a non peer-reviewed contribution written by an artist(!) with no formal training in either vertebrate physiology or anatomy.

John A. Ruben, Professor & Chair, Department of Zoology, Oregon State University

Care to actualy refute JGK's claims or are you going to continue to make Appeal to Authority Fallacies?