Plesiosaur Neck Mobility Data from 3D Modeling Study

Encompassing results from a study assessing the range of motion in the neck of the plesiosaur Nichollssaura borealis using computed tomography and 3D modeling. The analysis measured intervertebral mobility along the cervical vertebral column through lateral and dorso-ventral manipulation trials. The study suggests a potential preference for lateral neck movements, which may relate to prey capture ecology.

Use Cases

• Analyze intervertebral mobility measurements to model the biomechanical limits of lateral neck movement in plesiosaurs.
• Compare range of motion results from trials with standard versus reduced intervertebral spaces to understand joint flexibility constraints.
• Use the 3D modeling data to correlate cervical vertebral column morphology with hypothesized ecological functions like prey capture.
• Apply the methodological framework for assessing range of motion to other fossil specimens where no modern analogue exists.

Strengths

• Data is derived from computed tomography (CT) scans of an exceptionally preserved fossil specimen, providing a high-fidelity digital basis.
• The study quantifies range of motion through two distinct experimental trials: mean intervertebral ROM and ROM with reduced spaces.
• The dataset addresses a 135-million-year evolutionary history question regarding the function of elongate necks in aquatic plesiosaurs.
• Results are published under a permissive CC0 1.0 public domain dedication license, allowing unrestricted reuse.

Limitations

• The dataset is specific to a single species, Nichollssaura borealis, limiting broad comparative analysis across plesiosaurs.
• The sample size for the primary analysis is one specimen, which may not capture intraspecific variation.
• The 3D models and raw measurement data are not explicitly described as being included in the dataset files.

Provenance

Source

Dryad digital repository.

Collection Method

Data generated via computed tomography (CT) scanning and subsequent 3D modeling and manipulation of a fossil specimen.

Time Range

Mesozoic era (fossil specimen). Analysis conducted in the study leading to 2020 publication.

Freshness

2020-06-24

Geography

Origin of the fossil specimen Nichollssaura borealis is not specified in the provided input.