Maniraptoran pelvic musculature highlights evolutionary patterns in theropod locomotion on the line to birds.

ABSTRACT: Locomotion is a fundamental aspect of palaeobiology and often investigated by comparing osteological structures and proportions. Previous studies document a stepwise accumulation of avian-like features in theropod dinosaurs that accelerates in the clade Maniraptora. However, the soft tissues that influenced the skeleton offer another perspective on locomotory adaptations. Examination of the pelvis for osteological correlates of hind limb and tail musculature allowed reconstruction of primary locomotory muscles across theropods and their closest extant relatives. Additionally, the areas of pelvic muscle origins were quantified to measure relative differences within and between taxa, to compare morphological features associated with cursoriality, and offer insight into the evolution of locom

SUBMITTER: Rhodes MM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7937347 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature