Review
Version 1
This version is not peer-reviewed
Functional Morphology and Ecological Role of Therizinosaurs: A Focused Review
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Version 1
: Received: 1 August 2024 / Approved: 2 August 2024 / Online: 2 August 2024 (03:48:28 CEST)
How to cite: Hu, T. Functional Morphology and Ecological Role of Therizinosaurs: A Focused Review. Preprints 2024, 2024080122. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202408.0122.v1 Hu, T. Functional Morphology and Ecological Role of Therizinosaurs: A Focused Review. Preprints 2024, 2024080122. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202408.0122.v1
Abstract
Therizinosaurs, a unique clade of theropod dinosaurs, are characterized by their distinct morphological features and enigmatic ecological role. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the functional morphology and ecological significance of these remarkable dinosaurs. Therizinosaurs are distinguished by their elongated, often curved claws, robust postcranial skeletons, and herbivorous diet, which starkly contrasts with their carnivorous theropod relatives. We explore the evolutionary implications of their morphology, focusing on adaptations such as their specialized feeding apparatus and limb structure. These features suggest a complex interplay between their herbivorous lifestyle and ecological niche. The review synthesizes recent findings from fossil evidence, including detailed studies of cranial and postcranial anatomy, to elucidate the functional mechanisms behind their unique adaptations. Additionally, we discuss the broader ecological role of therizinosaurs within their Mesozoic ecosystems, highlighting their interactions with contemporaneous flora and fauna. By integrating paleontological data with comparative anatomy and ecological modeling, this review aims to shed light on the evolutionary trajectory of therizinosaurs and their impact on our understanding of theropod diversity and adaptation. This focused review contributes to a more nuanced appreciation of therizinosaurs' place in dinosaur evolution and their adaptive strategies in prehistoric environments.
Keywords
Therizinosaurs; functional morphology; ecological role; theropod dinosaurs; elongated claws; herbivorous diet; evolutionary implications; fossil evidence; cranial anatomy; postcranial anatomy; Mesozoic ecosystems; Therizinosaurus cheloniformis; Falcarius utahensis; claw structure; feathered bodies; defensive mechanisms; skeletal structure; feeding behaviors; mechanical analyses; plant-feeding; semi-arid environments; floodplains; vegetated landscapes; body mass evolution; Late Cretaceous; predation; anatomical diversity
Subject
Biology and Life Sciences, Life Sciences
Copyright: This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
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