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Locomotion and biomechanics in Eocene mammals from Messel

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Abstract

Eocene mammals from Grube Messel are divided into those that lived terrestrially on the ground (2D-mammals) or arboreally (3D-mammals). Their biomechanics and locomotion are discussed on the basis of equids (Eurohippus, Propalaeotherium) and Leptictidium as examples of 2D-mammals and primates (Europolemur, Darwinius) of 3D-mammals. The determining factor for lifestyle is the autopodia: 2D-mammals need nothing more than compression-transmitting balls with reinforced anterior margins (hooves). These autopodia do not require much energy, but metapodia and even phalanges can elongate the functional length of the free limbs. Primates as 3D-animals need prehensile hands and feet, which can transmit tensile forces and even torques. Their metapodials are part of the prehensile organ. Their strong and energy-requiring musculature increases the masses on the distal limb segments and so influences the locomotor modes.

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Acknowledgments

Our sincere thanks go to the reviewers, Prof. Dr. Ulrich Witzel (Bochum) and Prof. Dr. Andreas Christian (Flensburg), for very careful screening, ending up with precise suggestions, which have considerably improved our manuscript. We also want to thank the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft. This article is publication number 127 of the Forschergruppe 533.

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  1. Holger Preuschoft

    Present address: Biology of Sauropods, Forschergruppe 533, Nußallee 8, 53115, Bonn, Germany

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Sub-Department of Functional Morphology, Anatomical Institute, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany

    Holger Preuschoft

  2. Forschungsinstitut und Naturmuseum Senckenberg, Frankfurt, Senckenberganlage 25, 60325, Frankfurt am Main, Germany

    Jens Lorenz Franzen

  3. Naturhistorisches Museum Basel, Augustinergasse 2, 4001, Basel, Switzerland

    Jens Lorenz Franzen

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  1. Holger Preuschoft
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Correspondence to Holger Preuschoft.

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This article is a contribution to the special issue “Messel and the terrestrial Eocene - Proceedings of the 22nd Senckenberg Conference”

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Preuschoft, H., Franzen, J.L. Locomotion and biomechanics in Eocene mammals from Messel. Palaeobio Palaeoenv 92, 459–476 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12549-012-0103-7

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