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Ankylosaur (Dinosauria, Ankylosauria) foot morphology and an assessment of the function of the limbs and feet

Authors: Sissons, Robin L.;

Ankylosaur (Dinosauria, Ankylosauria) foot morphology and an assessment of the function of the limbs and feet

Abstract

Morphology and function of ankylosaur dinosaur limbs are explored and analyzed using comparative morphology and finite element analysis. Reconstruction of the forelimb and posture of Pinacosaurus grangeri matches well with trackways attributed to ankylosaurs. A flexed humerus angled away from the body, perpendicular radius and ulna, and upright metacarpus forming an arch proximally result in a crescent configuration of the manus, and a semi-supinated posture relative to the main axis of the body. The ankylosaurid metatarsus has a twisted proximal articular surface, metatarsals being optimally adapted for bearing weight at increasing angles, from medial to lateral. Metatarsal counts of Thyreophorans and other basal ornithischians do not match well with currently accepted phylogeny of these taxa, indicating that a revised phylogeny should be considered. Finite element analysis results, the twisted proximal articular surface, and other morphological features support a rolling motion in the foot while pushing off in locomotion. This is perhaps an adaptation to cope with the wide hips of ankylosaurids, bringing the pes closer to the midline of the animal during locomotion to increase maneuverability.

Keywords

Morphology, Pes, Ankylosaur, Manus, FEA, Limb

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selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
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