PELVIC AND HINDLIMB MUSCULATURE OF ARCHOSAURIAN REPTILES.
Item
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Title
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PELVIC AND HINDLIMB MUSCULATURE OF ARCHOSAURIAN REPTILES.
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Identifier
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AAI8112373
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identifier
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8112373
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Creator
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TARSITANO, SAMUEL FRANCIS.
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Contributor
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Max K. Hecht
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Date
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1981
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Language
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English
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Publisher
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City University of New York.
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Subject
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Biology, Anatomy
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Abstract
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This study presents for the first time a comparison of hindlimb myology of eusuchian crocodilians. From this study I will demonstrate that there is a crocodilian plan of musculature, and that the muscular variability found in birds is not characteristic of the Eusuchia. The minor differences in hindlimb morphology between the subfamilies of the Eusuchia are also illustrated for the first time. Within this study is a description of the pelvic and hindlimb musculature of Gavialis gangeticus a form previously undescribed. The hindlimb musculature of Gavialis was found to be different from all other crocodilians in its adductor musculature. In addition, the muscle scar anatomy of fossil gavials allows for its identification and separation from other crocodilians. The adductor muscle scar data provides the necessary information for this identification. Thus gavials can be identified in the fossil record using fragmentary specimens whose femora are preserved. In this study I have added to the description of the pelvic and hindlimb musculature of Alligator and other crocodilians. I have traced tendons of each muscle to their insertion points. In most instances this information is not available in the previous studies by Romer, (1923a) and Gadow, (1882a,b). This study also contains a detailed description of the shank musculature as well as those pelvic muscles which traverse the tarsal joint.;My analysis of fossil theropods is based on the data I have collected on crocodilians and birds. The study of any fossil must include if possible a study of that particular fossil's closest living relatives. The extant material provides the data base from which the fossil can be examined. Without such studies the interpretation of the morphology of fossils becomes arbitrary and subject to the prejudices of each researcher. A case in point is the restoration of the hindlimb musculature of theropod dinosaurs. For each restoration there appears new combination and placements of muscles. This is clearly illustrated in the comparative section of each muscle description. My study identifies each scar on the hindlimb and pelvic bones of theropod dinosaurs. The muscle scars were identified on the basis of crocodilian and avian musculature. Finally a new stance for theropod dinosaurs is introduced based on a functional analysis of their reconstructed musculature and osteology.
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Type
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dissertation
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Source
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PQT Legacy CUNY.xlsx
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degree
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Ph.D.
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Program
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Biology
