Publication Date

1992

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

First Advisor

Parrish, J. Michael, 1953-

Degree Name

M.S. (Master of Science)

Legacy Department

Department of Biological Sciences

LCSH

Dinosaurs; Coelophysis bauri

Abstract

Characteristics of ontogenetic stages (juvenile, subadult, and adult) were defined according to the relative degree of suture closure in individuals from the Coelophvsis bauri population of Ghost Ranch quarry. The ontogenetic series is incomplete, showing an increase of a factor of 2.3 in the femora length, and 3.6 in skull length. Principal components analysis indicated that there is no separation of individuals into sexual dimorphic groups, concurring with subjective physical examination of the skeletons. This result runs contrary to evidence of sexual dimorphism found in other ceratosaurs. The ontogenetic series made it possible to study the change of limb proportion and possible locomotor function. Coelophvsis was a bipedal strider. Proportions of hind limb elements indicate that Coelophvsis was a relatively rapid and efficient runner.

Comments

Includes bibliographical references (pages [74]-78)

Extent

viii, 107 pages

Language

eng

Publisher

Northern Illinois University

Rights Statement

In Copyright

Rights Statement 2

NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.

Media Type

Text

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