The evolution of manus shape in sauropod dinosaurs: implications for functional morphology, forelimb orientation, and phylogeny

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Abstract
Sauropods have a unique digitigrade and semi-tubular manus whose shape has been used as a synapomorphy that unites most sauropod taxa. The vertical orientation and semi-tubular arrangement of the metacarpale suggest the sauropod manus improved the mechanical ability of the forelimb to support great weight. However, the evolutionary mechanism responsible for modifying the relatively flat metacarpus of basal saurischians into a semi-tubular arrangement has remained uninvestigated. Furthermore, trackway evidence shows that manus pronation was more developed in sauropods than other saurischians. However, because the radius and ulna do not cross completely in sauropods, reconciling manus print orientation with forelimb osteology has been difficult. Restudy of North American neosauropod appendicular osteology and anatomy suggests that the unique manus shape of sauropods is linked temporally with reversion to a quadrupedal posture and the necessity of manus pronation. Articulation and manipulation of ne...

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