Morphological convergence obscures functional diversity in sabre-toothed carnivores.

ABSTRACT: The acquisition of elongated, sabre-like canines in multiple vertebrate clades during the last 265 Myr represents a remarkable example for convergent evolution. Due to striking superficial similarities in the cranial skeleton, the same or similar skull and jaw functions have been inferred for sabre-toothed species and interpreted as an adaptation to subdue large-bodied prey. However, although some sabre-tooth lineages have been classified into different ecomorphs (dirk-tooths and scimitar-tooths) the functional diversity within and between groups and the evolutionary paths leading to these specializations are unknown. Here, we use a suite of biomechanical simulations to analyse key functional parameters (mandibular gape angle, bending strength, bite force) to compare the functional perform

SUBMITTER: Lautenschlager S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7542828 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature