Geometric morphometric analysis of intratrackway variability: a case study on theropod and ornithopod dinosaur trackways from Munchehagen (Lower Cretaceous, Germany).

ABSTRACT: A profound understanding of the influence of trackmaker anatomy, foot movements and substrate properties is crucial for any interpretation of fossil tracks. In this case study we analyze variability of footprint shape within one large theropod (T3), one medium-sized theropod (T2) and one ornithopod (I1) trackway from the Lower Cretaceous of Münchehagen (Lower Saxony, Germany) in order to determine the informativeness of individual features and measurements for ichnotaxonomy, trackmaker identification, and the discrimination between left and right footprints. Landmark analysis is employed based on interpretative outline drawings derived from photogrammetric data, allowing for the location of variability within the footprint and the assessment of covariation of separate footprint parts. Obje

SUBMITTER: Lallensack JN 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4906676 | biostudies-literature | 2016

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature