The pes of Australovenator wintonensis (Theropoda: Megaraptoridae): analysis of the pedal range of motion and biological restoration

Abstract

<p>The pedal range of motion in <i>Australovenator wintonensis</i> is investigated to determine what influence soft tissue had on range of motion in the foot. Fortunately, the theropod pes shares a close morphology with extant large cursorial birds. Therefore, to better understand the pedal range of motion of <i>Australovenator</i>, the pedal range of motion of <i>Dromaius novaehollandiae</i> (commonly known as the emu) was analysed with and without soft tissue. We used a variety of innovative digital techniques to analyse the range of motion and biologically restore the <i>Australovenator</i> pes. Computed tomography scans of <i>Dromaius</i> pes in fully flexed and fully extended positions provided the soft tissue range of motion limits. The bone on bone range of motion of the same specimen was replicated following the removal of soft tissue. It was identified that there was an increase in range of motion potential with the removal of soft tissue. This variation provided a guide to develop the potential range of motion of a fully fleshed <i>Australovenator</i> pes. Additionally, the dissection of the <i>Dromaius</i> pes provided a guide enabling the replication of the corresponding soft tissue and keratin sheaths of the <i>Australovenator</i> pes.</p>