Image: Comparative evolution of jaws between Muraenesocidae (A) and Spinosauridae (B)

Description: Comparative evolution of jaws between Mura enesocidae (A) and Spinosauridae (B). Craniodental morphologies of Recent pike conger eels and Cretaceous spinosaurid theropod dinosaurs are convergently similar, likely resulting from similar feeding habits. In the sister groups of Muraenesocidae and Spinosauridae, here represented respectively by Conger (Congridae) and Dubreuillosaurus (Megalosauridae), skulls exhibit the plesiomorphic condition (i.e., rostrum not markedly elongated, absence of premaxillary and dentary “rosettes”, dentition homodont). The derived condition observed in both pike congers and spinosaurs, which seems to be associated with an enhanced sensitivity, can be interpreted as an adaptation to forage efficiently in aquatic environments and to grab evasive prey items such as fishes. Mura enesocidae are represented here by Muraenesox bagio (skull and head), and Spinosauridae by Baryonyx walkeri (skull) and Spinosaurus aegyptiacus (head reconstruction; courtesy of Stephen O’Connor). Characters: 1, elongated rostrum; 2, terminal “rosette” in both upper and lower jaws; 3, deep notch posterior to the upper jaw “rosette”; 4, strong heterodonty (in size); 5, “rosettes”
Title: Comparative evolution of jaws between Muraenesocidae (A) and Spinosauridae (B)
Credit: Convergent evolution of jaws between spinosaurid dinosaurs and pike conger eels, Acta Palaeontologica Polonica 61 (x): xxx–xxx
Author: Vullo et al.
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