Evolution of Herbivory in Terrestrial Vertebrates: Prosauropod dinosaurs and iguanas: speculations on the diets of extinct reptiles

摘要: Introduction A thorough knowledge of extant taxa is required when attempting paleobiological interpretations extinct animals (Lauder 1995; Witmer 1995). Skeletal material, though informative, can provide only a limited amount information on soft-tissue and behavioral characteristics. It not possible to identify with certainty the actual diet any animal because we cannot observe feeding. Fossilized gut contents (enterolites) feces (coprolites) may some dietary information, but convincing enterolites are rare coprolites almost never associated that produced them. In cases, direct comparison feeding adaptations closely related forms (‘Extant Phylogenetic Bracket’ approach sensu 1995) possible, allowing these be made confidence (e.g., between mammals). Some groups, however, have no present-day representatives for relevant comparison. For example, study birds crocodilians provides insight into paleobiology non-avian dinosaurs. cases where phylogenetic assessing function in organisms feasible, there tendency rely historical biomechanical modeling (Weishampel Such often based identification suitable analogues. The choice comparison, limited, many studies forced utilize models distantly taxon under consideration. This chapter deals one such model — relationship tooth form herbivorous reptiles.