Vargas-Peixoto, D., Stock Da-Rosa, Á, A., and M. A. G. França. 2014. Functional and biomechanic aspects of the scapular girdle and forelimbs of Unaysaurus tolentinoi Leal et al., 2004 (Saurischia: Sauropodomorpha). Journal of South American Earth Sciences. Accepted Manuscript. DOI: 10.1016/j.jsames.2014.09.024
Abstract - This study presents evidence about the biomechanics and forelimbs functionality of the basal sauropodomorph Unaysaurus tolentinoi (upper portion of the SM2 sequence, Santa Maria Supersequence, Upper Triassic from southern Brazil). Maximum and minimum motion angles were inferred in the joints, disregarding the presence and/or thickness of cartilage. Furthermore, processes and external structures of the bones were analyzed in attributing the functionality of forelimbs. Unaysaurus tolentinoi had well-developed grapple ability. However, the preserved elements and their osteological features are not conclusive about strictly bipedalism or quadrupedalism in U. tolentinoi.
Showing posts with label biomechanics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label biomechanics. Show all posts
Biomechanical Comments about Triassic Dinosaurs from Brazil
Delcourt, R., de Azevedo, S. A. K., Grillo, O. N., and F. O. Deantoni. 2012. Biomechanical comments about Triassic dinosaurs from Brazil. Papáis Avulsos de Zoologia 52:341-347.
Abstract - Triassic dinosaurs of Brazil are found in Santa Maria and Caturrita formations, Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil. There are three species known from the Santa Maria Formation (Staurikosaurus pricei, Saturnalia tupiniquim and Pampadromaeus barberenai), and two from Caturrita Formation (Guaibasaurus candelariensis and Unaysaurus tolentinoi). These dinosaur materials are, for the most part, well preserved and allow for descriptions of musculature and biomechanical studies. The lateral rotation of the Saturnalia femur is corroborated through calculations of muscle moment arms. The enhanced supracetabular crest of Saturnalia, Guaibasaurus, Staurikosaurus, Herrerasaurus ischigualastensis, Efraasia minor and Chormogisaurus [sic] novasi suggests that basal dinosaurs may have maintained an inclination of the trunk at least 20° on the horizontal axis. The pectoral girdle articulation of basal sauropodomorphs (Saturnalia and Unaysaurus) was established using a new method, the Clavicular Ring, and the scapular blade remains near 60° on the horizontal axis. This is a plesiomorphic condition among sauropodomorphs and is also seen in the articulated plateosauridae Seitaad ruessi. The Brazilian basal dinosaurs were lightweight with a body mass estimated around 18.5 kg for Staurikosaurus, 6.5 kg for Saturnalia, and 17 kg for Guaibasaurus. Pampadromaeus probably weighed 2.5 kg, but measures of its femur are necessary to confirm this hypothesis. The Triassic dinosaurs from Brazil were diversified but shared some functional aspects that were important in an evolutionary context.
Abstract - Triassic dinosaurs of Brazil are found in Santa Maria and Caturrita formations, Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil. There are three species known from the Santa Maria Formation (Staurikosaurus pricei, Saturnalia tupiniquim and Pampadromaeus barberenai), and two from Caturrita Formation (Guaibasaurus candelariensis and Unaysaurus tolentinoi). These dinosaur materials are, for the most part, well preserved and allow for descriptions of musculature and biomechanical studies. The lateral rotation of the Saturnalia femur is corroborated through calculations of muscle moment arms. The enhanced supracetabular crest of Saturnalia, Guaibasaurus, Staurikosaurus, Herrerasaurus ischigualastensis, Efraasia minor and Chormogisaurus [sic] novasi suggests that basal dinosaurs may have maintained an inclination of the trunk at least 20° on the horizontal axis. The pectoral girdle articulation of basal sauropodomorphs (Saturnalia and Unaysaurus) was established using a new method, the Clavicular Ring, and the scapular blade remains near 60° on the horizontal axis. This is a plesiomorphic condition among sauropodomorphs and is also seen in the articulated plateosauridae Seitaad ruessi. The Brazilian basal dinosaurs were lightweight with a body mass estimated around 18.5 kg for Staurikosaurus, 6.5 kg for Saturnalia, and 17 kg for Guaibasaurus. Pampadromaeus probably weighed 2.5 kg, but measures of its femur are necessary to confirm this hypothesis. The Triassic dinosaurs from Brazil were diversified but shared some functional aspects that were important in an evolutionary context.
Biomechanical Analysis of Triassic Cynodonts from Madagascar
Ranivoharimanana, L. 2012. Analyse biomécanique masticatrice chez des traversodontidés eucynodontes du Trias de Madagascar. [Biomechanical analysis of the jaw apparatus in eucynodont traversodontids from the Triassic of Madagascar]. Geodiversitas 34: 505–515.
Abstract - Mandible biomechanics analysis cannot take place without the understanding of the development degree and the arrangement pattern of the adductor muscles. In the non mammalian cynodonts, the temporal and the superficial masseter muscles play a primordial role in the lower jaw motion during the food processing. They constitute the key elements of this analysis. Previous studies on non mammalian cynodonts including Dadadon isaloi Flynn, Parrish, Rakotosamimanana, Simpson & Wyss, 1999 and Menadon besairiei Flynn, Parrish, Rakotosamimanana, Simpson & Wyss, 1999 demonstrated the realization, by these animals, of a complex dynamic occlusion of the lower and superior postcanine teeth. The consideration of the bite point as second occlusal fulcrum equal in status to the cranio-mandibular joint is the basis of the bifulcral model. This methodology allows: 1) to quantify the resistance opposed by food at the level of the occlusal site; and 2) to highlight a positive net vertical load, of compressive nature, acting to the level of the cranio-mandibular joint during the interactivity of the elevator muscles, i.e. during mastication.
Abstract - Mandible biomechanics analysis cannot take place without the understanding of the development degree and the arrangement pattern of the adductor muscles. In the non mammalian cynodonts, the temporal and the superficial masseter muscles play a primordial role in the lower jaw motion during the food processing. They constitute the key elements of this analysis. Previous studies on non mammalian cynodonts including Dadadon isaloi Flynn, Parrish, Rakotosamimanana, Simpson & Wyss, 1999 and Menadon besairiei Flynn, Parrish, Rakotosamimanana, Simpson & Wyss, 1999 demonstrated the realization, by these animals, of a complex dynamic occlusion of the lower and superior postcanine teeth. The consideration of the bite point as second occlusal fulcrum equal in status to the cranio-mandibular joint is the basis of the bifulcral model. This methodology allows: 1) to quantify the resistance opposed by food at the level of the occlusal site; and 2) to highlight a positive net vertical load, of compressive nature, acting to the level of the cranio-mandibular joint during the interactivity of the elevator muscles, i.e. during mastication.
RÉSUMÉ - L'analyse de la biomécanique de la mandibule ne peut s'effectuer sans la compréhension du degré de développement et du type d'arrangement des muscles adducteurs. Chez les cynodontes non mammaliens, le muscle temporal et le masséter superficiel jouent un rôle primordial dans les mouvements de la mâchoire inférieure lors de la transformation alimentaire. Ils constituent ainsi les éléments clés de cette analyse. Des études antérieures sur des cynodontes non mammaliens dont Dadadon isaloi Flynn, Parrish, Rakotosamimanana, Simpson & Wyss, 1999 et Menadon besairiei Flynn, Parrish, Rakotosamimanana, Simpson & Wyss, 1999, ont démontré la réalisation, par ces animaux, d'une occlusion dynamique complexe des dents postcanines, inférieures et supérieures. La considération du point de morsure comme second point d'appui au même titre que l'articulation crânio-mandibulaire est le fondement même du système à double leviers. Cette méthodologie a permis de: 1) quantifier la résistance opposée par la nourriture au niveau du site occlusal; et 2) mettre en évidence l'existence d'une charge verticale nette positive, de nature compressive agissant au niveau de l'articulation crânio-mandibulaire chez Dadadon isaloi et Menadon besairiei durant l'interactivité des muscles élévateurs au cours de la mastication.
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