کد مقاله کد نشریه سال انتشار مقاله انگلیسی نسخه تمام متن
1974020 1060334 2008 7 صفحه PDF دانلود رایگان
عنوان انگلیسی مقاله ISI
Elasmosaur (Reptilia: Sauropterygia) neck flexibility: Implications for feeding strategies
موضوعات مرتبط
علوم زیستی و بیوفناوری بیوشیمی، ژنتیک و زیست شناسی مولکولی زیست شیمی
پیش نمایش صفحه اول مقاله
Elasmosaur (Reptilia: Sauropterygia) neck flexibility: Implications for feeding strategies
چکیده انگلیسی

Elasmosaurs were extremely long-necked, aquatic reptiles that used four flippers for locomotion. Their distinctive long neck distinguishes them from all other Mesozoic forms, yet the potential uses and constraints of this structure are poorly understood, particularly with regard to feeding. Several associated series of elasmosaurian cervical vertebrae were used to measure ranges of potential flexion. Two-dimensional models, based on a complete specimen of the Late Cretaceous elasmosaur Aphrosaurus furlongi, were created to measure mobility in both vertical and horizontal planes. Accuracy of the models was assessed through comparative analyses with currently extant vertebrate analogues (e.g. snake, turtle, seal). Results suggest that the elasmosaurian neck was capable of a 75–177° ventral, 87–155° dorsal, and 94–176° lateral range of movement depending upon the thickness of cartilage reconstructed between each vertebra. Neck postures such as a ‘swan-like’ S-shape are shown to be implausible because they require > 360° vertical flexion. However, maintenance of a straight neck while swimming, together with considerable lateral and/or ventral movement during prey capture and feeding are feasible.

ناشر
Database: Elsevier - ScienceDirect (ساینس دایرکت)
Journal: Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part A: Molecular & Integrative Physiology - Volume 150, Issue 2, June 2008, Pages 124–130
نویسندگان
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