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Rapid growth preceded gigantism in sauropodomorph evolution.
Jennifer Botha1, Jonah N Choiniere2, Roger B J Benson3
1Karoo Palaeontology Department, National Museum, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa; Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa.
Current Biology : CB
|September 9, 2022
Summary
Sauropod dinosaurs achieved giant sizes through rapid growth, but this trait originated in smaller ancestors before gigantism evolved. This suggests rapid bone formation was a prerequisite, not a direct cause, of massive body size in these ancient reptiles.
Area of Science:
- Paleontology and Vertebrate Evolution
- Dinosaur Biology and Growth Patterns
Background:
- Sauropod dinosaurs, the largest terrestrial animals, exhibit rapid, uninterrupted growth linked to gigantism.
- Understanding the evolution of this rapid growth requires examining their smaller, non-sauropodan sauropodomorph relatives.
Approach:
- Osteohistological analysis of Aardonyx celestae and Sefapanosaurus zatronensis, early sauropodomorphs.
- Examination of bone tissue microstructure, including vascularization and growth marks, to infer growth rates and plasticity.
Key Points:
- Aardonyx and Sefapanosaurus show rapid, seasonally interrupted growth with limited developmental plasticity, evidenced by fibrolamellar bone and regular growth marks.
- These growth patterns are similar to derived sauropods but present in smaller-bodied (1-2 tons) ancestors.
Conclusions:
- Accelerated growth rates evolved in smaller sauropodomorphs prior to the evolution of giant body sizes (>10 tons) in sauropods.
- The capacity for rapid bone tissue formation was likely a prerequisite for, rather than a direct adaptation to, sauropod gigantism.
Keywords:
Elliot FormationKaroo BasinSauropodaSauropodomorphabody sizebone microstructuredinosaursend-Triassic mass extinctiongrowth patternsosteohistologyMore Related Videos
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