有限元分析(FEA)是理解形式和功能的一种有用方法。然而,化石分类单元的建模总是涉及由于保存引起的化石记录中信息丢失而产生的假设。为了检验FEA预测的有效性,考虑到这样的假设,这些结果可以与颅骨力学的独立证据进行比较.在本研究中,提出了使用骨骼微观结构来预测喂养过程中颅骨中应力分布的新概念,并进行了骨骼微观结构与计算生物力学(FEA)结果之间的相关性。骨框架是生物优化的产物;创建骨结构以满足局部机械条件。为了测试FEA的结果与骨骼结构预测的颅骨力学的相关性,著名的temnosposauruskrasiejowensis被用作模型。Temnospondyli的一个关键问题是他们的喂养方式:他们是吸食还是直接咬伤,或两者兼而有之?Metoposaurids以前被描述为主动猎人或被动底层居民。为了检验FEA结果与骨微观结构之间的相关性,使用了两个Metosaurus的头骨,一个是在有限元分析下建模的,而对于第二个17真皮骨微结构进行了分析。因此,第一次,使用两种方法预测颅骨机械行为的结果被合并以了解Metoposaurus的喂养策略。Metoposaurus似乎是一种水生动物,表现出通才的摄食行为。该分类单元可能在狩猎中使用了两种觅食技术;主要是双边咬和,在较小程度上,横向罢工。然而,骨微观结构表明,侧咬比有限元分析(FEA)建议的更频繁。决定其生活方式的潜在因素之一可能是水位。在最佳水条件下,甲龙可能是更活跃的埋伏掠食者,能够横向撞击头部。当双边咬伤特别有效时,旱季需要不太活跃的生活方式。这个,结合它们典型的前位轨道,是最佳的伏击策略。这种使用替代食物获取模式的能力,独立于环境条件,可能是解释晚三叠纪中非常常见的华龙的关键。
Finite Element Analysis (
FEA) is a useful method for understanding form and function. However, modelling of fossil taxa invariably involves assumptions as a result of preservation-induced loss of information in the fossil record. To test the validity of predictions from
FEA, given such assumptions, these results could be compared to independent lines of evidence for cranial mechanics. In the present study a new concept of using bone microstructure to predict stress distribution in the skull during feeding is put forward and a correlation between bone microstructure and results of computational biomechanics (
FEA) is carried out. The bony framework is a product of biological optimisation; bone structure is created to meet local mechanical conditions. To test how well results from
FEA correlate to cranial mechanics predicted from bone structure, the well-known temnospondyl Metoposaurus krasiejowensis was used as a model. A crucial issue to Temnospondyli is their feeding mode: did they suction feed or employ direct biting, or both? Metoposaurids have previously been characterised either as active hunters or passive bottom dwellers. In order to test the correlation between results from
FEA and bone microstructure, two skulls of Metoposaurus were used, one modelled under FE analyses, while for the second one 17 dermal bone microstructure were analysed. Thus, for the first time, results predicting cranial mechanical behaviour using both methods are merged to understand the feeding strategy of Metoposaurus. Metoposaurus appears to have been an aquatic animal that exhibited a generalist feeding behaviour. This taxon may have used two foraging techniques in hunting; mainly bilateral biting and, to a lesser extent, lateral strikes. However, bone microstructure suggests that lateral biting was more frequent than suggested by Finite Element Analysis (FEA). One of the potential factors that determined its mode of life may have been water levels. During optimum water conditions, metoposaurids may have been more active ambush predators that were capable of lateral strikes of the head. The dry season required a less active mode of life when bilateral biting is particularly efficient. This, combined with their characteristically anteriorly positioned orbits, was optimal for ambush strategy. This ability to use alternative modes of food acquisition, independent of environmental conditions, might hold the key in explaining the very common occurrence of metoposaurids during the Late Triassic.