Modeling the jaw mechanics of Dimetrodon (Synapsida: Sphenacodontidae)

Simple item page
dc.contributor.authorSnyder, Adam
dc.contributor.examiningcommitteeGamble, Julia (Anthropology)en_US
dc.contributor.examiningcommitteeSnively, Eric (Oklahoma State University)en_US
dc.contributor.supervisorBrink, Kirstin
dc.date.accessioned2023-01-18T02:51:49Z
dc.date.available2023-01-18T02:51:49Z
dc.date.copyright2023-01-17
dc.date.issued2022-11-22
dc.date.submitted2022-11-22T22:29:56Zen_US
dc.date.submitted2023-01-12T21:03:50Zen_US
dc.date.submitted2023-01-12T21:22:36Zen_US
dc.date.submitted2023-01-12T22:07:18Zen_US
dc.date.submitted2023-01-13T14:56:37Zen_US
dc.date.submitted2023-01-17T23:15:15Zen_US
dc.degree.disciplineEarth Sciencesen_US
dc.degree.levelMaster of Science (M.Sc.)en_US
dc.description.abstractIn this work, I investigate the biomechanics of a 295-million-year-old proto-mammal, Dimetrodon, using a series of models and experiments to recreate their jaw as accurately as possible. Using a combination of 2D images and computed tomography scans, virtual fossils were created in 3D. This project is the first use of finite element analysis and multibody dynamics analysis in the genus. For the first time, dental microanatomy including denticles and plicidentine was modelled in 3D with individual material properties. Three separate muscle topologies of Dimetrodon were sculpted for the first time in 3D to determine individual muscle performance and a maximum combined effective bite adduction force of 4000N. Different tooth morphologies influenced the biomechanical performance of Dimetrodon’s bite. Both the incisiform and caniniform teeth were able to function effectively at maximum bite force; however, the post-caniniform teeth were unable to dissipate stress at these levels. Enamel denticles created complex patterns of localized stress across the enamel-dentine junction into the core of the crown. Elongation of the tooth roots increased the ability of the alveolar bone to cushion kinetic energy before being transmitted to the surrounding jawbone. Examining the stress and strain distribution patterns through the skull of Dimetrodon necessitated revisiting proposed topologies of the animal’s adductor musculature. The most recent reconstruction, the reptilian style of muscle attachment, is the most efficient arrangement of the muscles. The rhynchocephalian style had the highest muscle volume and produced a larger bite force estimate from the dry skull method. Predictive models based on physiological cross-sectional muscle areas are cautioned against. This model returned a bite force similar to extant hypercarnivores, and combined with little fossil evidence of bone comminution, suggests Dimetrodon was not limited by prey size and could consume the flesh of large-bodied animals.en_US
dc.description.noteFebruary 2023en_US
dc.description.sponsorshipThe Paleontological Societyen_US
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/1993/37141
dc.language.isoengen_US
dc.rightsopen accessen_US
dc.subjectDimetrodonen_US
dc.subjectPaleontologyen_US
dc.subjectBiomechanicsen_US
dc.subjectHeterodontyen_US
dc.subjectFinite Element Analysisen_US
dc.titleModeling the jaw mechanics of Dimetrodon (Synapsida: Sphenacodontidae)en_US
dc.typemaster thesisen_US
local.subject.manitobanoen_US
oaire.awardTitleResearch Manitoba Studentshipen_US
oaire.awardURIhttps://gms.researchmanitoba.ca/funding-search/1373?print=Trueen_US
project.funder.identifierhttp://dx.doi.org/10.13039/100008794en_US
project.funder.nameResearch Manitobaen_US
Files
Original bundle
Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
Thumbnail Image
Name:
MSc Thesis -SNYDER, Adam.pdf
Size:
1.65 MB
Format:
Adobe Portable Document Format
Description:
Thesis
Download
License bundle
Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
Thumbnail Image
Name:
license.txt
Size:
2.2 KB
Format:
Item-specific license agreed to upon submission
Description:
Download
Collections
FGS - Electronic Theses and Practica