econstruction of the adductor chamber and predicted bite force in pterodactyloids (Pterosauria

Author(s)

Pegas, V, Rodrigo ; Costa, Fabiana R. ^[1] ; Kellner, Alexander W. A. ^[2]

Affiliation

^[1] Pegas, Rodrigo, V, Univ Fed ABC, Lab Vertebrate Paleontol & Anim Behav, BR-09606070 Sao Bernardo Do Campo, SP - Brazil

^[2] Univ Fed Rio de Janeiro, Lab Systemat & Taphon Fossil Vertebrates, Dept Geol & Paleontol, Museu Nacl, BR-20940040 Rio De Janeiro - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: ZOOLOGICAL JOURNAL OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY; v. 193, n. 2, p. 602-635, OCT 2021.
• Web of Science Citations: 2

Abstract

The reconstruction of jaw muscles is critical in establishing potential cranial functions; however, myological studies of extinct groups that have no descendants are difficult to perform and test. This is particularly true for pterosaurs, a group of extinct flying reptiles that present a plethora of cranial morphologies, suggesting different functions and feeding habits. Here we present a first attempt to reconstruct the adductor musculature of the pterodactyloid skull in detail, using osteological correlates and the extant phylogenetic bracketing method. Using these reconstructions, we estimate bite force for nine selected species and investigate implications for potential dietary habits. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 19/10231-6 - Stance biomechanis of the wing during flight in Anhanguera piscator and Tupuxuara leonardii (Pterosauria: Pterodactyloidea) and considerations on the evolution of flight within the group
• Grantee: Rodrigo Vargas Pêgas
• Support type: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate