3D computational mechanics elucidate the evolutionary implications of orbit position and size diversity of early amphibians.

ABSTRACT: For the first time in vertebrate palaeontology, the potential of joining Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Parametrical Analysis (PA) is used to shed new light on two different cranial parameters from the orbits to evaluate their biomechanical role and evolutionary patterns. The early tetrapod group of Stereospondyls, one of the largest groups of Temnospondyls is used as a case study because its orbits position and size vary hugely within the members of this group. An adult skull of Edingerella madagascariensis was analysed using two different cases of boundary and loading conditions in order to quantify stress and deformation response under a bilateral bite and during skull raising. Firstly, the variation of the original geometry of its orbits was introduced in the models producing new FE

SUBMITTER: Marce-Nogue J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4479603 | biostudies-literature | 2015

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature