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Functional anatomy and feeding biomechanics of a giant U pper J urassic pliosaur ( R eptilia: S auropterygia) from W eymouth B ay, D orset, UK
Author(s) -
Foffa Davide,
Cuff Andrew R.,
Sassoon Judyth,
Rayfield Emily J.,
Mavrogordato Mark N.,
Benton Michael J.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
journal of anatomy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.932
H-Index - 118
eISSN - 1469-7580
pISSN - 0021-8782
DOI - 10.1111/joa.12200
Subject(s) - biting , skull , biomechanics , anatomy , bite force quotient , predation , biology , adductor muscles , rostrum , zoology , ecology , genus
Pliosaurs were among the largest predators in M esozoic seas, and yet their functional anatomy and feeding biomechanics are poorly understood. A new, well‐preserved pliosaur from the K immeridgian of W eymouth B ay ( UK ) revealed cranial adaptations related to feeding. Digital modelling of computed tomography scans allowed reconstruction of missing, distorted regions of the skull and of the adductor musculature, which indicated high bite forces. Size‐corrected beam theory modelling showed that the snout was poorly optimised against bending and torsional stresses compared with other aquatic and terrestrial predators, suggesting that pliosaurs did not twist or shake their prey during feeding and that seizing was better performed with post‐symphyseal bites. Finite element analysis identified biting‐induced stress patterns in both the rostrum and lower jaws, highlighting weak areas in the rostral maxillary‐premaxillary contact and the caudal mandibular symphysis. A comparatively weak skull coupled with musculature that was able to produce high forces, is explained as a trade‐off between agility, hydrodynamics and strength. In the K immeridgian ecosystem, we conclude that L ate J urassic pliosaurs were generalist predators at the top of the food chain, able to prey on reptiles and fishes up to half their own length.