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THE UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY Eric Snively A ... - Ohio University

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1s the MT 111 shape segregation functionally informative?<br />

There is a strong tendency to infer fundion from structure in fossil organisms.<br />

Morphologid ciustering cm imply but not demonstrate similarity of function, an<br />

inference fraught with complications even in studies of modem organisms<br />

(Lauder 1995). Particularities of skeletal and soft tissue anatomy, and<br />

unforseeable pleiotropic roles for an organ, will reduœ the reliability of functionat<br />

inference in fossils. This cstveat applies to fossil structures with putatively<br />

analogous function in modern homologues, but especially impedes generalized<br />

inferences in the case of stmcturally diverse organs.<br />

A fruitful approach, therefore, is to focus on novelties or strong aggregations<br />

in morphology. ldeally these morphologies will suggest hypotheses amenable to<br />

consilient biomechanical testing. Strong dustering on the basis of metatarsai<br />

shape (with similar values for PC2) indicates the possibiiity of similar function.<br />

Striking aspects of qualitative morphology can also suggest hypotheses of<br />

function, which might be missed if morphometric clustering is relied on<br />

exclusively.<br />

MT 111 morphology suggests tentative hypotheses of function in<br />

arctometatarsalians<br />

The morphometric and observational resolutions of this study uncover<br />

possible variances in the function of thempod metatarsi, but the following<br />

hypotheses must be considered tentative in the absence of detailed<br />

biomechanical analysis. Most of these hypotheses, however, hold substantial<br />

promise for more extensive treatment. Chapters 3 and 4 explore more specific

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