Palate anatomy and morphofunctional aspects of interpterygoid vacuities in temnospondyl cranial evolution

摘要: Temnospondyls were the morphologically and taxonomically most diverse group of early tetrapods with a near-global distribution during Palaeozoic Mesozoic. Members this occupied range different habitats (aquatic, amphibious, terrestrial), reflected by large morphological disparity cranium throughout their evolutionary history. A diagnostic feature temnospondyls is presence an open palate interpterygoid vacuities, in contrast to closed other fish-like relatives. Although function vacuities has been discussed past, no quantitative studies have performed assess biomechanical significance. Here, we applied finite element analysis, test possibility that served for stress contraction jaw closing musculature. Different original theoretical skull models, which differed size or completely absent, compared mechanical performance. Our results demonstrate palatal morphology played considerable role cranial biomechanics temnospondyls. The found offer dual benefit providing additional muscle attachment areas allowing more effective force transmission thus increase bite without compromising stability.