Finite element analysis to compare the ecology of the late Jurassic theropods Ceratosaurus and Allosaurus part II. Skulls and feeding
Keywords:
Theropoda, Feeding, FEA, Skull, Late JurassicAbstract
Ceratosaurus and Allosaurus are Late Jurassic sympatric theropods
from Portugal and the USA. The presence of similar size carnivorous dinosaurs
in the same ecosystem raises questions about resources partitioning.
Feeding partitioning have been previously hypothesized but never systematically
tested. Using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) we compared the mechanical
capabilities of Ceratosaurus and Allosaurus skulls projected in 2D.
Both theropods present very similar results. However, Ceratosaurus present
greater overall stress patterns. More studies are required to test these preliminary
results and to have a better understanding of the feeding strategies
of these theropods.
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