Inferences of diplodocoid (Sauropoda: Dinosauria) feeding behavior from snout shape and microwear analyses.

ABSTRACT:

Background

As gigantic herbivores, sauropod dinosaurs were among the most important members of Mesozoic communities. Understanding their ecology is fundamental to developing a complete picture of Jurassic and Cretaceous food webs. One group of sauropods in particular, Diplodocoidea, has long been a source of debate with regard to what and how they ate. Because of their long lineage duration (Late Jurassic-Late Cretaceous) and cosmopolitan distribution, diplodocoids formed important parts of multiple ecosystems. Additionally, fortuitous preservation of a large proportion of cranial elements makes them an ideal clade in which to examine feeding behavior.

Methodology/principal findings

Hypotheses of various browsing behaviors (selective and nonselective browsing at ground-heigh

SUBMITTER: Whitlock JA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3071828 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature