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Cranial design and function in a large theropod dinosaur

Author

Listed:
  • Emily J. Rayfield

    (University of Cambridge)

  • David B. Norman

    (University of Cambridge
    Smithsonian Institution)

  • Celeste C. Horner

    (Museum of the Rockies, Montana State University)

  • John R. Horner

    (Museum of the Rockies, Montana State University)

  • Paula May Smith

    (University of Cambridge)

  • Jeffrey J. Thomason

    (Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph)

  • Paul Upchurch

    (University of Cambridge)

Abstract

Finite element analysis (FEA)1 is used by industrial designers and biomechanicists to estimate the performance of engineered structures or human skeletal and soft tissues subjected to varying regimes of stress and strain2,3,4. FEA is rarely applied to problems of biomechanical design in animals, despite its potential to inform structure–function analysis. Non-invasive techniques such as computed tomography scans can be used to generate accurate three-dimensional images of structures, such as skulls, which can form the basis of an accurate finite element model. Here we have applied this technique to the long skull of the large carnivorous theropod dinosaur Allosaurus fragilis5. We have generated the most geometrically complete and complex FEA model of the skull of any extinct or extant organism and used this to test its mechanical properties and examine, in a quantitative way, long-held hypotheses concerning overall shape and function6,7,8. The combination of a weak muscle-driven bite force, a very ‘light’ and ‘open’ skull architecture and unusually high cranial strength, suggests a very specific feeding behaviour for this animal. These results demonstrate simply the inherent potential of FEA for testing mechanical behaviour in fossils in ways that, until now, have been impossible.

Suggested Citation

  • Emily J. Rayfield & David B. Norman & Celeste C. Horner & John R. Horner & Paula May Smith & Jeffrey J. Thomason & Paul Upchurch, 2001. "Cranial design and function in a large theropod dinosaur," Nature, Nature, vol. 409(6823), pages 1033-1037, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:409:y:2001:i:6823:d:10.1038_35059070
    DOI: 10.1038/35059070
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    Cited by:

    1. Neil Curtis & Marc E H Jones & Junfen Shi & Paul O'Higgins & Susan E Evans & Michael J Fagan, 2011. "Functional Relationship between Skull Form and Feeding Mechanics in Sphenodon, and Implications for Diapsid Skull Development," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 6(12), pages 1-11, December.
    2. Pahl, Cameron C. & Ruedas, Luis A., 2021. "Carnosaurs as Apex Scavengers: Agent-based simulations reveal possible vulture analogues in late Jurassic Dinosaurs," Ecological Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 458(C).
    3. Zhijie Jack Tseng & Jill L Mcnitt-Gray & Henryk Flashner & Xiaoming Wang & Reyes Enciso, 2011. "Model Sensitivity and Use of the Comparative Finite Element Method in Mammalian Jaw Mechanics: Mandible Performance in the Gray Wolf," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 6(4), pages 1-12, April.

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