Dental microwear reveals mammal-like chewing in the neoceratopsian dinosaur Leptoceratops gracilis.

ABSTRACT: Extensive oral processing of food through dental occlusion and orbital mandibular movement is often cited as a uniquely mammalian trait that contributed to their evolutionary success. Save for mandibular translation, these adaptations are not seen in extant archosaurs or lepidosaurs. In contrast, some ornithischian dinosaurs show evidence of precise dental occlusion, habitual intraoral trituration and complex jaw motion. To date, however, a robust understanding of the diversity of jaw mechanics within non-avian dinosaurs, and its comparison with other vertebrates, remains unrealized. Large dental batteries, well-developed dental wear facets, and robust jaws suggests that neoceratopsian (horned) dinosaurs were capable chewers. But, biomechanical analyses have assumed a relatively simple, sc

SUBMITTER: Varriale FJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4941762 | biostudies-literature | 2016

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature