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Mechanics of posture and gait of some large dinosaurs

 

作者: R. McN. ALEXANDER,  

 

期刊: Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society  (WILEY Available online 1985)
卷期: Volume 83, issue 1  

页码: 1-25

 

ISSN:0024-4082

 

年代: 1985

 

DOI:10.1111/j.1096-3642.1985.tb00871.x

 

出版商: Blackwell Publishing Ltd

 

关键词: Dinosaur;Saurischia;Ornithischia;posture;gait;locomotion

 

数据来源: WILEY

 

摘要:

Dimensions of dinosaur bones and of models of dinosaurs have been used as the basis for calculations designed to throw light on the posture and gaits of dinosaurs.Estimates of the masses of some dinosaurs, obtained from the volumes of models, are compared with previous estimates. The positions of dinosaurs' centres of mass, derived from models, show that some large quadrupedal dinosaurs supported most of their weight on their hind legs and were probably capable of rearing up on their hind legs.Distributions of bending moments along the backs of large dinosaurs are derived from measurements on models. The tensions required in epaxial muscles to enableDiplodocusto stand are calculated. It is likely that the long neck of this dinosaur was supported by some structure running through the notches in the neural spines of its cervical and dorsal vertebrae. The nature of this hypothetical structure is discussed.An attempt is made to reconstruct the walking gait of sauropod dinosaurs, from the pattern of footprints in fossil tracks.The dimensions of dinosaur leg bones are compared to predictions for mammals of equal body mass, obtained by extrapolation of allometric equations. Their dimensions are also used to calculate a quantity which is used as an indicator of strength in bending. Comparisons with values for modern animals lead to speculations about the athletic performance of dinosaurs.Estimates of pressures exerted on the ground by the feet of dinosaurs are used in a discussion of the ability of dinosaurs to walk over soft ground.

 

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