Abstract

AbstractThe intersection of paleontology and biomechanics can be reciprocally illuminating, helping to improve paleobiological knowledge of extinct species and furthering our understanding of the generality of biomechanical principles derived from study of extant species. However, working with data gleaned primarily from the fossil record has its challenges. Building on decades of prior research, we outline and critically discuss a complete workflow for biomechanical analysis of extinct species, using locomotor biomechanics in the Triassic theropod dinosaurCoelophysisas a case study. We progress from the digital capture of fossil bone morphology to creating rigged skeletal models, to reconstructing musculature and soft tissue volumes, to the development of computational musculoskeletal models, and finally to the execution of biomechanical simulations. Using a three-dimensional musculoskeletal model comprising 33 muscles, a static inverse simulation of the mid-stance of running shows thatCoelophysisprobably used more upright (extended) hindlimb postures and was likely capable of withstanding a vertical ground reaction force of magnitude more than 2.5 times body weight. We identify muscle force-generating capacity as a key source of uncertainty in the simulations, highlighting the need for more refined methods of estimating intrinsic muscle parameters such as fiber length. Our approach emphasizes the explicit application of quantitative techniques and physics-based principles, which helps maximize results robustness and reproducibility. Although we focus on one specific taxon and question, many of the techniques and philosophies explored here have much generality to them, so they can be applied in biomechanical investigation of other extinct organisms.

Highlights

  • Throughout the history of life on Earth, the vast majority of species to have ever existed have become extinct

  • We focus on the single-stance phase of locomotion, asking the question “What is the maximal vertical ground reaction force that the hindlimb of Coelophysis was capable of withstanding?” The ground reaction force (GRF) is the force the feet experience from the ground as they push on it during the stance phase of locomotion (i.e., Newton’s third law)

  • In this study we outlined a workflow for integrating paleontological data with biomechanical principles and modeling techniques, in relation to understanding locomotion in nonavian dinosaurs

Read more

Summary

Introduction

Throughout the history of life on Earth, the vast majority of species to have ever existed have become extinct. We advocate what we believe to be the current best practice for maximizing data utility and robustness of results

Methods and Results
Discussion
Literature Cited
Full Text
Published version (Free)

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call