In:
PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science (PLoS), Vol. 17, No. 9 ( 2022-9-1), p. e0268144-
Abstract:
In this study, we use an exceptional skeleton of the pachycephalosaur Stegoceras validum (UALVP 2) to inform a comprehensive appendicular muscle reconstruction of the animal, with the goal of better understanding the functional morphology of the pachycephalosaur postcranial skeleton. We find that S . validum possessed a conservative forelimb musculature, particularly in comparison to early saurischian bipeds. By contrast, the pelvic and hind limb musculature are more derived, reflecting peculiarities of the underlying skeletal anatomy. The iliotibialis, ischiocaudalis, and caudofemoralis muscles have enlarged attachment sites and the caudofemoralis has greater leverage owing to the distal displacement of the fourth trochanter along the femur. These larger muscles, in combination with the wide pelvis and stout hind limbs, produced a stronger, more stable pelvic structure that would have proved advantageous during hypothesized intraspecific head-butting contests. The pelvis may have been further stabilized by enlarged sacroiliac ligaments, which stemmed from the unique medial iliac flange of the pachycephalosaurs. Although the pubis of UALVP 2 is not preserved, the pubes of other pachycephalosaurs are highly reduced. The puboischiofemoralis musculature was likely also reduced accordingly, and compensated for by the aforementioned improved pelvic musculature.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
1932-6203
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0268144
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0268144.g001
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0268144.g002
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0268144.g003
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0268144.g004
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0268144.g005
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0268144.g006
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0268144.g007
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0268144.g008
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0268144.g009
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0268144.g010
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10.1371/journal.pone.0268144.g011
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0268144.g012
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0268144.g013
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0268144.t001
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0268144.t002
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0268144.s001
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0268144.s002
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0268144.s003
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0268144.s004
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0268144.s005
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0268144.s006
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0268144.r001
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0268144.r002
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0268144.r003
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0268144.r004
Language:
English
Publisher:
Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Publication Date:
2022
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2267670-3
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