Ecomorphological determinations in the absence of living analogues: the predatory behavior of the marsupial lion (Thylacoleo carnifex) as revealed by elbow joint morphology

Abstract

General rightsThis document is made available in accordance with publisher policies. Please cite only the published version using the reference above. Full terms of use are available: http://www.bristol.ac.uk/pure/about/ebr-terms arboreal mammals from terrestrial ones shows that Thylacoleo was primarily terrestrial but with some climbing abilities. We infer from our results that Thylacoleo used its forelimbs for grasping or manipulating prey to much higher degree than its supposed extant placental counterpart, the African lion (Panthera leo). The use of the large and retractable claw on the semi-opposable thumb of Thylacoleo for potentially slashing and disemboweling prey is discussed in the light of this new information.BORJA FIGUEIRIDO ET AL!3! !

Correlates between calcaneal morphology and locomotion in extant and extinct carnivorous mammals

“…Various features of the appendicular skeleton have been used to understand locomotion in carnivoran mammals, including metatarsal to femur ratios (Garland & Janis, ), forelimb shape (Fabre, Corbette, Goswami, & Peigné, ; Janis & Figueirido, ; Meachen‐Samuels, ; Meachen‐Samuels & Van Valkenburgh, ; Taylor ), and forelimb elements such as the distal humerus (Andersson, ; Figueirido, Martín‐Serra, Tseng, & Janis, ; Figueirido et al, ). While fore and hind limb morphology are both influenced by ecological behaviours including locomotion, prey capture and feeding, hind limb morphology provides key information on lever mechanics and forward propulsion during such behaviours.…”

Taking a look into the orbit of mammalian carnivorans

“…; Figueirido et al. , , ; Klingenberg & Gidaszewski, ) to construct orbit phylomorphospaces. We used the function phylomorphospace in the phytools R package (Revell, ).…”

Phenotypic disparity of the elbow joint in domestic dogs and wild carnivores*

“…A) is a well‐established skeletal indicator of forearm motion and, by extension, of functional adaptations toward locomotor or predatory behavior in living carnivores (Andersson and Werdelin ; Andersson , ; Figueirido and Janis ; Figueirido et al. , ). While ambush predators need to retain a certain degree of supinatory ability (i.e., rotation of the forearm) to grapple with their prey, both pursuit (long‐distance running) and pounce‐pursuit (short‐distance sprinting) carnivores have forelimbs more locked into a prone position and limb movement more restricted to the parasagittal plane (Ewer ; Van Valkenburgh ; Figueirido and Janis ; Janis and Figueirido ; Figueirido et al.…”

“…While ambush predators need to retain a certain degree of supinatory ability (i.e., rotation of the forearm) to grapple with their prey, both pursuit (long‐distance running) and pounce‐pursuit (short‐distance sprinting) carnivores have forelimbs more locked into a prone position and limb movement more restricted to the parasagittal plane (Ewer ; Van Valkenburgh ; Figueirido and Janis ; Janis and Figueirido ; Figueirido et al. , ; Martín‐Serra et al. 2015a).…”

“…1A) is a well-established skeletal indicator of forearm motion and, by extension, of functional adaptations toward locomotor or predatory behavior in living carnivores (Andersson and Werdelin 2003;Andersson 2004Andersson , 2005Figueirido and Janis 2011;Figueirido et al 2015Figueirido et al , 2016. While ambush predators need to retain a certain degree of supinatory ability (i.e., rotation of the forearm) to grapple with their prey, both pursuit (long-distance running) and pounce-pursuit (shortdistance sprinting) carnivores have forelimbs more locked into a prone position and limb movement more restricted to the parasagittal plane (Ewer 1973;Van Valkenburgh 1985;Figueirido and Janis 2011;Janis and Figueirido 2014;Figueirido et al 2015Figueirido et al , 2016Martín-Serra et al 2015a). Therefore, the study of the elbow joint in domestic dogs allows the exploration of poten-tial convergences between "extreme" pursuit carnivores (e.g., the cheetah, Acinonyx jubatus) and those breeds that have undergone intense artificial selection for both high-speed running and aerobic stamina, such as the greyhound (Webster et al 2014).…”