The Evolution of Sauropod Locomotion: Morphological Diversity of a Secondarily Quadrupedal Radiation

摘要: like that of many extinct groups, has historically been interpreted in light potential modern analogues. As these analogies—along with our understanding them—have shifted, perspectives on sauropod locomotion have followed. Thus early paleontologists focused the “whalelike” aspects presumably aquatic taxa (e.g., Osborn 1898), reluctantly relinquishing such ideas as further discoveries began to characterize anatomy more terrestrial. Although this debate continued for over a century, essentially terrestrial nature limb design was recognized by 1900s (Hatcher 1903; Riggs 1903). Aside from few poorly received attempts Hay 1908; Tornier 1909), comparisons usually made between sauropods and mammals, rather than reptiles. Particular similarities were often noted limbs those elephants rhinos (Holland 1910; Bakker 1971). With respect locomotion, proboscideans fruitful but also tended become canalized. In regard, words paleontologist W. C. Coombs (1975:23) remain particularly apt, much their still-relevant summary status quo locomotor research warning future workers: