Modeling cranial biomechanics in archosaurs using 3D computational methods (17.5)

Abstract

Accurately modeling cranial function in vertebrates remains a challenging yet important tool for ecologists, functional morphologists, and paleobiologists. Three‐dimensional computational methods now offer new approaches for reconstructing jaw muscle anatomy and the cranial biomechanical environment so that evolutionary and functional hypotheses can be tested. Here we present several examples that reconstruct muscle forces, joint moments and bite forces in extant and extinct archosaurs using 3D modeling techniques. 1) We compared modeled bite forces in an ontogenetic sample of Alligator mississippiensis with published in vivo bite forces to validate whether the method is applicable to diapsid vertebrates. 2) We modeled bite forces and joint moments within the skulls of the non‐avian dinosaurs Tyrannosaurus rex and Edmontosaurus regalis to test the sensitivity of input parameters with force estimates. 3) Using these latter taxa, we compared moments about joints implicated in cranial kinesis to identify functional patterns. These models will enable us to test for coevolution between bite force and dietary correlates in fossil archosaurs, estimate loading patterns within cranial joints, and determine patterns in jaw muscle anatomy and function among tetrapods.