Research On The Anatomy Of Dinosaur Fossils

Anatomy can provide information about the possible lifestyle or structure of the fossilized dinosaur itself, as well as information about the evolution of the group to which the dinosaur belongs. Paleontologists can also compare the bones of an animal to similar types of bones to illustrate evolutionary lineage relationships between species. Although it is impossible for the soft tissues such as muscles and organs of fossil dinosaurs to be preserved as fossils, the anatomical structure of modern animals can also be used to compare and infer with fossil dinosaurs.

The sympathetic nervous system and the hormonal system work together to coordinate the functions of the dinosaur's body. Most sauropods had small brains, but some smaller theropods had larger and more complex brains. Tyrannosaurus, one of the largest theropods, had a brain designed to control limb movement and process visual and olfactory information, but it had a very small brain.

The main function of the dinosaur skeleton is to support the muscles used for movement, and to protect the brain, heart and lung organs, and to house the bone marrow that makes blood. Different groups of dinosaurs had specialized skeletons, such as the huge temporal foramen in the large heads of theropod dinosaurs, to reduce unnecessary weight.

The sensory organs of dinosaurs can be understood by observing the eyeballs, nasal tissues and ears of dinosaur fossils. Teeth show the lifestyle of fossil dinosaurs, such as carnivorous dinosaurs often had sharp-edged or conical teeth, and herbivorous teeth had lobed or flat chewing teeth. The dentition morphology in the mouths of different dinosaurs can also provide information on how dinosaurs foraged.