Abstract
SUMMARYSea scorpions (Eurypterida) displayed an array of morphological and environmental adaptations, making them highly diverse and disparate Palaeozoic euchelicerates. Among this group, megalograptid and mixopterid eurypterids with elongate and spinose prosomal appendages II and III are unique. These features were presumably used for hunting. However, this has never been confirmed, let alone modelled. Here, we present novel 3D model-based kinematic range of motion (ROM) analyses of Megalograptus ohioensis and Mixopterus kiaeri and compare these to ROM of raptorial appendages from two whip spider species. These modern analogues confirm that the eurypterid appendages were raptorial, functioning to grab and hold prey for consumption. The Me. ohioensis model illustrates greater flexibility in appendage III, indicating the hypertrophied spines on appendage III may have held or pierced prey, while terminal podomeres of appendage II were used to rip prey. Conversely, Mi. kiaeri constructed a capture basket with appendage III, impaling prey with elongated spines of appendage II. Such 3D kinematic modelling presents a more complete understanding of these peculiar euchelicerates and highlights their possible position within extinct ecosystems.
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