Science Advances, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 10(43)
Published: Oct. 25, 2024
The evolutionary transition from early synapsids to therian mammals involved profound reorganization in locomotor anatomy and function, centered around a shift "sprawled" "erect" limb postures. When how this functional was accomplished has remained difficult decipher the fossil record alone. Through biomechanical modeling of hindlimb force-generating performance eight exemplar synapsids, we demonstrate that erect regime typifying modern therians did not evolve until just before crown Theria. Modeling also identifies transient phase increased therapsids cynodonts, mammals. Further, quantifying global actions major hip muscle groups indicates protracted juxtaposition redeployment conservatism, highlighting intricate interplay between anatomical function across postural transitions. We infer complex history synapsid evolution suggest transitions contrasting behaviors may follow highly nonlinear trajectories.
Language: Английский