Journal article
Testing hypotheses of skull function with comparative finite element analysis: three methods reveal contrasting results
Journal of experimental biology, Vol.228(4), JEB249747
2025
PMID: 39817439
Abstract
Comparative finite element analysis involves standardising aspects of models to test equivalent loading scenarios across species. However, regarding feeding biomechanics of the vertebrate skull, what is considered "equivalent" can depend on the hypothesis. Using 13 diversely-shaped skulls of marsupial bettongs and potoroos (Potoroidae), we demonstrate that scaling muscle forces to standardise specific aspects of biting mechanics can produce clearly opposing comparisons of stress or strain that are differentially suited to address specific kinds of hypotheses. We therefore propose three categories of hypotheses for skull biting mechanics, each involving a unique method of muscle scaling to produce meaningful results: those comparing (1) the skull's efficiency in distributing muscle forces to the biting teeth, via standardising input muscle force to skull size, (2) structural biting adaptation through standardising mechanical advantage to simulate size-independent, equivalent bites, and (3) feeding ecology affected by size, such as niche partitioning, via standardising bite reaction force.Comparative finite element analysis involves standardising aspects of models to test equivalent loading scenarios across species. However, regarding feeding biomechanics of the vertebrate skull, what is considered "equivalent" can depend on the hypothesis. Using 13 diversely-shaped skulls of marsupial bettongs and potoroos (Potoroidae), we demonstrate that scaling muscle forces to standardise specific aspects of biting mechanics can produce clearly opposing comparisons of stress or strain that are differentially suited to address specific kinds of hypotheses. We therefore propose three categories of hypotheses for skull biting mechanics, each involving a unique method of muscle scaling to produce meaningful results: those comparing (1) the skull's efficiency in distributing muscle forces to the biting teeth, via standardising input muscle force to skull size, (2) structural biting adaptation through standardising mechanical advantage to simulate size-independent, equivalent bites, and (3) feeding ecology affected by size, such as niche partitioning, via standardising bite reaction force.
Details
- Title
- Testing hypotheses of skull function with comparative finite element analysis: three methods reveal contrasting results
- Authors/Creators
- D Rex Mitchell - Flinders UniversityStephen Wroe - University of New EnglandMeg Martin - Flinders UniversityVera Weisbecker - Australian Research Council
- Publication Details
- Journal of experimental biology, Vol.228(4), JEB249747
- Publisher
- The Company of Biologists
- Number of pages
- 10
- Identifiers
- 991005733086407891
- Murdoch Affiliation
- Centre for Terrestrial Ecosystem Science and Sustainability
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
This output has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:
Source: InCites
Metrics
9 Record Views
InCites Highlights
These are selected metrics from InCites Benchmarking & Analytics tool, related to this output
- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- Citation topics
- 8 Earth Sciences
- 8.93 Archaeology
- 8.93.805 Mammalia
- Web Of Science research areas
- Biology
- Zoology
- ESI research areas
- Biology & Biochemistry