Beijing (TDI): A recent study by Chinese researchers has provided new insights into the hunting strategies and survival challenges of Allosaurus, a dominant predator of the Jurassic era.
The research, conducted by the China University of Geosciences and the Guangzhou Grandview Museum of Natural Science, focuses on the dinosaur’s forearm motions and its ability to recover from shoulder injuries.
The study, published in Historical Biology, used advanced technologies, including laser scanning, to create detailed 3D models of Allosaurus fossils, enabling researchers to analyze its range of motion and biomechanical structure without damaging the specimens.
The analysis revealed that the Allosaurus had remarkable flexibility in its forelimbs, with the shoulder and elbow joints capable of extending over 70 degrees and its finger joints able to flex up to 90 degrees.
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These motions likely played a key role in capturing prey, although the limited shoulder movement suggests that its primary hunting method involved using its mouth to strike prey, with the forelimbs serving to grasp or hook its target.
The study also highlighted the resilience of Allosaurus, particularly its ability to recover from a shoulder injury, providing evidence of its survival abilities despite facing challenges such as food scarcity and changes in hunting behavior.
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This research enhances understanding of Allosaurus’ physical capabilities and its role as a top predator during the Late Jurassic period, around 155 to 145 million years ago.
