Q: I recently noticed that 999 Peachtree St. is unoccupied and shrouded by a black mesh. It appears that the structure is being taken apart. What is the reason for this? — George S. Hart, Atlanta
A: The building in question is the Hyatt Atlanta Midtown, which is adjacent to 999 Peachtree St. and is undergoing a $21 million renovation expected to be complete in the second quarter of 2013, Atlanta-based Noble Investment Group's Ben Brunt told Q&A on the News. "What you're seeing is a re-skinning of the building," Brunt said. "It's undergoing a complete renovation." The Hyatt Midtown was the Hotel Midtown, an independent hotel acquired by Noble in 2011 and shut down in mid-May, Brunt said.
Q: Why would an herbivore such as Pegomastax africanus need large fangs and thick jaws? Aren't these characteristic of carnivores? — Carole Kallansrude, Atlanta
A: Paul C. Sereno, a paleontologist at the University of Chicago and a dinosaur specialist, told The New York Times the fangs probably were used "for nipping and defending themselves, not for eating meat." He said it was rare that a plant-eater would have "sharp-edged enlarged canines," and some scientists have said the creature at times might have eaten meat or possibly insects. Sereno said the tall teeth behind the canines could have been used for slicing plants, and the lower jaw might have been used to sharpen the upper teeth.
Andy Johnston wrote this column. Do you have a question about the news? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or email q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).
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