Using computed tomography and three-dimensional modelling, researchers assessed the range of motion of the plesiosaur Nichollssaura borealis neck. They measured intervertebral mobility by manipulating the models in the lateral and dorsoventral directions, with results suggesting that N. borealis may have preferred moving its neck sideways. Three-dimensional modelling is an effective tool for assessing how body parts of extinct animals move when no modern comparative animal exists.
Published August 1, 2018
Canadian co-authors: Ramon Nagesan, University of Calgary – ramon.nagesan@gmail.com; Don Henderson, Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology – don.henderson@gov.ab.ca
