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Article
Kinematic model of tyrannosaurid (dinosauria: theropoda) arctometatarsus function
Article first published online: 22 NOV 2002
DOI: 10.1002/jmor.10059
Copyright © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
1097-4687/asset/cover.gif?v=1&s=ec0ae2c4806f8103dbc94ab6157da96a801db7b4 "Journal of Morphology")
Additional Information
How to Cite
Snively, E. and Russell, A. P. (2003), Kinematic model of tyrannosaurid (dinosauria: theropoda) arctometatarsus function. J. Morphol., 255: 215–227. doi: 10.1002/jmor.10059
Publication History
- Issue published online: 22 NOV 2002
- Article first published online: 22 NOV 2002
Funded by
- NSERC
- Jurassic Foundation
- TMP Heaton Fund
- University of Calgary Graduate Faculty Council Scholarships
- Abstract
- References
- Cited By
Keywords:
- Tyrannosauridae;
- Theropoda;
- metatarsus;
- ligament;
- functional morphology
Abstract
We present a hypothesis of tyrannosaurid foot function termed the “tensile keystone model,” in which the triangular central metatarsal and elastic ligaments dynamically strengthened the foot. The tyrannosaurid arctometatarsus, in which the central metatarsal is proximally constricted, displays osteological correlates of distal intermetatarsal ligaments. The distal wedge-like imbrication of tyrannosaurid metatarsals indicates that rebounding ligaments drew the outer elements towards the middle digit early in the stance phase, unifying the arctometatarsus under high loadings. This suggests increased stability and resistance to dissociation and implies, but does not demonstrate, greater agility than in large theropods without an arctometatarsus. J. Morphol. 255:215–227, 2003. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.