Abstract:
Hadrosaurs are the most successful and diverse member of the ornithopod dinosaurs and dominated the terrestrial fauna of the Upper Cretaceous. Further, they represent one of the best known dinosaur groups.
Hadrosaurian locomotion is a long-term debated topic in dinosaur research, including different approaches which often provided controversial results. Particularly the variety of their locomotory capabilities is still not understood completely.
Here, computer based simulations, which are used increasingly in dinosaur research during the last decade, represent a new and advanced technique.
In this work a 3D model of the hadrosaur Brachylophosaurus canadensis was created, based on digitized bones. Using this model, and with the help of track fossils, the different gaits and body postures of hadrosaurs were examined to achieve a better understanding of their locomotory capabilities and range of motion.