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The evolution of tail weaponization in amniotes.

Victoria M Arbour^1,2,3,4, Lindsay E Zanno^5,2

¹Paleontology Research Lab, North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, 11 W Jones St, Raleigh, NC 27601, USA victoria.arbour@gmail.com.

Proceedings. Biological Sciences

|January 19, 2018

Summary

Animal tail weaponry, used for fighting or defense, evolves with large body size, armor, and herbivory. This rare adaptation is linked to anti-predator strategies in amniotes.

Keywords:

cingulata correlated evolution dinosauria weapons

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Area of Science:

Evolutionary biology
Paleontology
Comparative anatomy

Background:

Weaponry is a common animal adaptation for combat and defense.
The evolution and diversity of skeletal weaponry, particularly in tails, are not fully understood.
Tail weaponry has evolved independently in diverse amniote groups.

Purpose of the Study:

Investigate the evolution of tail weaponry in amniotes.
Identify ecological and morphological factors influencing tail weaponry.
Understand the rarity of tail weaponry evolution.

Main Methods:

Phylogenetic comparative methods applied to extant and extinct amniotes.
Analysis of tail lashing behavior and bony tail armaments.
Correlational studies between morphology, ecology, and behavior.

Main Results:

Significant ecological and morphological correlates found for tail weaponry.
Large body size, body armor, and herbivory are linked to tail weaponry.
Tail lashing behavior and bony tail armaments share common evolutionary drivers.

Conclusions:

Life-history parameters like large size, armor, and herbivory influence tail weaponry evolution.
The rarity of tail weaponry is attributed to the infrequent occurrence of large, armored herbivores.
Tail weaponry represents a specialized anti-predator adaptation shaped by specific ecological pressures.