Schmidt, Michel

Melzer, Roland R

Plotnick, Roy E

Bicknell, Russell D C

2022-01-21

<p>Megalograptidae and Mixopteridae with elongate, spinose prosomal appendages are unique early Palaeozoic sea scorpions (Eurypterida). These features were presumably used for hunting, an untested hypothesis. Here, we present 3D model-based kinematic range of motion (ROM) analyses of <i>Megalograptus ohioensis</i> and <i>Mixopterus kiaeri</i> and compare these to modern analogs. This comparison confirms that the eurypterid appendages were likely raptorial, used in grabbing and holding prey for consumption. The <i>Megalograptus ohioensis</i> model illustrates notable Appendage III flexibility, indicating hypertrophied spines on Appendage III may have held prey, while Appendage II likely ripped immobilized prey. <i>Mixopterus kiaeri</i>, conversely, constructed a capture basket with Appendage III, and impaled prey with Appendage II elongated spines. Thus, megalograptid and mixopterid frontalmost appendages constructed a double basket system prior to moving dismembered prey to the chelicerae. Such 3D kinematic modeling presents a more complete understanding of these peculiar euchelicerates and highlights their possible position within past ecosystems.</p>

iScience, 25(1), p. 1-14

2589-0042

35024591

https://hdl.handle.net/1959.11/51364

en

Cell Press

Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International

Spines and baskets in apex predatory sea scorpions uncover unique feeding strategies using 3D-kinematics

Journal Article

Publication