Ichthyosaurs ruled the highest trophic levels of the marine environment during the Jurassic period. It is unclear whether different species that coexist with each other compete for the same food supply or whether they share food sources while specializing in different types of prey. New study of University of Bristol He points out that the physical differences in their noses suggest that they have evolved to have different diets and not compete for the same resources.
The study also revealed that early Jurassic ichthyosaurs displayed predatory specialization.
Matt Williams of the Royal Baths Literary and Scientific Institution said: “Functional studies require excellent 3D specimens, and the Strawberry Bank Elminster Lower Jurassic ichthyosaur fossil is just that. Mary Anning’s fossils are amazing, but mostly solid. “
Dr Ben Moon of the Bristol School of Earth Sciences and study supervisor said: Our idea is to examine the sample with a CT scan. The scans allowed us to create detailed 3D models of the skull on the computer, which could then be tested for the potential forces that occur during the bite. “
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Supervisor Andrei Rowe said: “Once we have a model, we can test it under pressure. We tested and confirmed the hypothesis that the nose is thin ichthyosaurus Its bite was quick but weak, and the broad-nosed ichthyosaur had a slow but strong bite. “
Additional author Professor Michael Benton said: “Confirmation of the hypotheses is important. We have to apply a rigorous scientific approach like this technical analysis. Both ichthyosaur species are assumed to chase fast-moving prey (fast bite) and slower prey with strong shells (slow and strong bite). “
Sarah Jamison Todd, who completed her work as part of her Masters in paleobiology, said: “I was introduced to computed tomography, modeling and biomechanical testing with standard engineering software used to test how large buildings and structures fold.”
Professor Benton it’s over: “Modern predators like sharks and killer whales tend to eat pretty much anything they can eat, so it’s interesting to be able to prove that certain disciplines existed in the Jurassic. This work can be expanded to explore further. marine reptile Like the plesiosaurs and crocodiles, so we get a detailed picture of this fantastic and strange world of the Jurassic Ocean. “
Journal reference:
- Sarah Jamison Todd et al. Adequate nutritional segmentation of Strawberry Bank’s early Jurassic ichthyosaurs. Anatomy diary. DOI: 10.1111 / Joe. 13744
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