Version 1
: Received: 3 August 2024 / Approved: 5 August 2024 / Online: 6 August 2024 (12:33:20 CEST)
How to cite:
Hu, T. The Function and Evolution of Cranial Crests in Dilophosaurus wetherilli: An Analysis of Their Morphological and Behavioral Significance. Preprints2024, 2024080339. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202408.0339.v1
Hu, T. The Function and Evolution of Cranial Crests in Dilophosaurus wetherilli: An Analysis of Their Morphological and Behavioral Significance. Preprints 2024, 2024080339. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202408.0339.v1
Hu, T. The Function and Evolution of Cranial Crests in Dilophosaurus wetherilli: An Analysis of Their Morphological and Behavioral Significance. Preprints2024, 2024080339. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202408.0339.v1
APA Style
Hu, T. (2024). The Function and Evolution of Cranial Crests in Dilophosaurus wetherilli: An Analysis of Their Morphological and Behavioral Significance. Preprints. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202408.0339.v1
Chicago/Turabian Style
Hu, T. 2024 "The Function and Evolution of Cranial Crests in Dilophosaurus wetherilli: An Analysis of Their Morphological and Behavioral Significance" Preprints. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202408.0339.v1
Abstract
This literature review examines the function and evolution of cranial crests in Dilophosaurus wetherilli, a notable theropod dinosaur from the Early Jurassic period. The review synthesizes morphological data and behavioral theories to provide a comprehensive analysis of the crests' roles in the dinosaur's life. Cranial crests, characterized by their distinctive, elongated structures extending from the skull, have intrigued paleontologists due to their unique appearance and apparent function. This review utilizes findings from recent fossil discoveries, comparative anatomy, and biomechanical studies to explore hypotheses regarding the crests' primary functions. Key theories suggest these structures may have served for display purposes, thermoregulation, or defensive mechanisms. Evidence from cranial and postcranial anatomy, as well as comparisons with extant analogs, provides insights into the possible evolutionary pressures influencing the development of crests in Dilophosaurus wetherilli. Additionally, the review considers the role of sexual dimorphism and social behavior in shaping these features. By integrating these diverse lines of evidence, the review aims to offer a nuanced understanding of how cranial crests might have contributed to the survival and social interactions of Dilophosaurus. This analysis not only advances our knowledge of Dilophosaurus wetherilli but also contributes to broader discussions on the evolution and functional morphology of early theropods.
Keywords
Dilophosaurus wetherilli; cranial crests; theropod dinosaurs; Early Jurassic; morphological data; behavioral theories; fossil discoveries; comparative anatomy; biomechanical studies; display purposes; thermoregulation; defensive mechanisms; cranial anatomy; postcranial anatomy; evolutionary pressures; sexual dimorphism; social behavior; urvival; social interactions; early theropods; functional morphology
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.
