| The 'Goldilocks' effect: preservation bias in vertebrate track assemblages. | |
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MedLine Citation:
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PMID: 21233145 Owner: NLM Status: MEDLINE |
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
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Finite-element analysis was used to investigate the extent of bias in the ichnological fossil record attributable to body mass. Virtual tracks were simulated for four dinosaur taxa of different sizes (Struthiomimus, Tyrannosaurus, Brachiosaurus and Edmontosaurus), in a range of substrate conditions. Outlines of autopodia were generated based upon osteology and published soft-tissue reconstructions. Loads were applied vertically to the feet equivalent to the weight of the animal, and distributed accordingly to fore- and hindlimbs where relevant. Ideal, semi-infinite elastic-plastic substrates displayed a 'Goldilocks' quality where only a narrow range of loads could produce tracks, given that small animals failed to indent the substrate, and larger animals would be unable to traverse the area without becoming mired. If a firm subsurface layer is assumed, a more complete assemblage is possible, though there is a strong bias towards larger, heavier animals. The depths of fossil tracks within an assemblage may indicate thicknesses of mechanically distinct substrate layers at the time of track formation, even when the lithified strata appear compositionally homogeneous. This work increases the effectiveness of using vertebrate tracks as palaeoenvironmental indicators in terms of inferring substrate conditions at the time of track formation. Additionally, simulated undertracks are examined, and it is shown that complex deformation beneath the foot may not be indicative of limb kinematics as has been previously interpreted, but instead ridges and undulations at the base of a track may be a function of sediment displacement vectors and pedal morphology. |
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Authors:
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P L Falkingham; K T Bates; L Margetts; P L Manning |
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Publication Detail:
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Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't Date: 2011-01-13 |
Journal Detail:
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Title: Journal of the Royal Society, Interface / the Royal Society Volume: 8 ISSN: 1742-5662 ISO Abbreviation: J R Soc Interface Publication Date: 2011 Aug |
Date Detail:
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Created Date: 2011-06-28 Completed Date: 2011-10-18 Revised Date: 2013-05-27 |
Medline Journal Info:
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Nlm Unique ID: 101217269 Medline TA: J R Soc Interface Country: England |
Other Details:
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Languages: eng Pagination: 1142-54 Citation Subset: IM |
Affiliation:
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School of Earth, Atmospheric and Environmental Science, University of Manchester, Williamson Building, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK. peter.falkingham@manchester.ac.uk |
Export Citation:
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| MeSH Terms | |
Descriptor/Qualifier:
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Animals Biological Evolution* Biomechanics Dinosaurs / anatomy & histology*, classification, physiology* Hindlimb / anatomy & histology*, physiology* Movement / physiology* Weight-Bearing |
| Comments/Corrections | |
From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine
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