Finite elements analysis suggests a defensive role for osteoderms in titanosaur dinosaurs (Sauropoda)

Here we present, for the first time, the use of finite element analysis to evaluate bites of two possible predators, a baurusuchid crocodyliform and an abelisaurid theropod into titanosaur osteoderms, in order to test if these structures could act as defensive tools. Our results showed that bites ca...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Silva Junior, Julian C.G., Montefeltro, Felipe C. [UNESP], Marinho, Thiago S., Martinelli, Agustín G., Langer, Max C.
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2022
País:Brasil
Institución:Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP)
Repositorio:Repositório Institucional da UNESP
Idioma:inglés
OAI Identifier:oai:repositorio.unesp.br:11449/229647
Acceso en línea:http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cretres.2021.105031
http://hdl.handle.net/11449/229647
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Finite elements analysis
Osteoderms
Sauropoda
Titanosauria
Descripción
Sumario:Here we present, for the first time, the use of finite element analysis to evaluate bites of two possible predators, a baurusuchid crocodyliform and an abelisaurid theropod into titanosaur osteoderms, in order to test if these structures could act as defensive tools. Our results showed that bites caused much less stress on osteoderms that did not went through internal resorption and were composed mainly by solid bone. Our data strengths the hypothesis that titanosaur osteoderms could have provided more functions than just mineral storage.