Abstract
Dinornis robustus and Emeus crassus display two variants of moa locomotor adaptations, Emeus being less cursorial. The number and topography of their pelvic muscles are similar and resemble that of Tinamiformes and geographically close Apterygiformes and Casuariiformes. Nevertheless, a number of features are probably peculiar to Dinornithiformes. The strong iliotibiales and iliofemoralis externus muscles, which prevent passive adduction of the femur, far surpass the bulk recorded for these muscles in other birds. The iliofemoralis internus muscle has a unique insertion to the cranial surface of the femur distal to the femoral head, although further inspection of mummified remains is required to prove this. The less modified pelvic muscles of moa in comparison with that of Apterygiformes, Casuariiformes, Rheiformes, and Struthioniformes are related to the retention in Dinornithiformes of the wide pelvis.
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