| 论文摘要 |
The swollen mandible is a common feature in megacerines, especially in Sinomegaceros pachyosteus, which is likely related to their feeding strategy. Here, we compare the hemimandibular mechanical performances of four megaherbivores, i.e., S. pachyosteus, Alces acles, Bubalus bubalis, and Equus caballus using finite element analysis. The geometric models of the cranium and the hemimandible were reconstructed and the occlusal process was simulated. Full-sized models were analysed for the von Mises stress comparison and volume-scaled models were used for direct comparisons of the strain energy. Both strain energy and maximum von Mises stress of S. pachyosteus are as low as B. bubalis and E. caballus, and significantly lower than those of A. alces. We conclude that S. pachyosteus has the potential to be a grazer, similar to the diet of B. bubalis and E. caballus. |
