Partial analyses of humeral shape in sauropodomorph dinosaurs highlight a hidden modularity and the differential evolution of sauropod bauplan‐related traits
Partial analyses of humeral shape demonstrate evolutionary differences in forelimb morphology among sauropodomorphs, implying complex transitions to quadrupedality.
Key Points
To clarify the evolution of humeral morphology in sauropodomorphs and its relation to sauropod characteristics.
Analyzed humeral proximal and distal halves using 3D geometric morphometrics
Included numerous incomplete specimens in the analysis
Compared overlaps in locomotor groups based on humeral morphology
Humeral proximal halves show overlapping locomotive group similarities
Distal portions of the humerus reveal distinct characteristics in quadrupedal sauropods
Evolutionary patterns indicate decoupled changes in the humerus, suggesting complexity in forelimb evolution