preprints_ui: unt6d_v1
Data license: ODbL (database) & original licenses (content) · Data source: Open Science Framework
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| unt6d_v1 | Cooperative Shadow Feeding: A Novel Hypothesis for the Feeding Ecology and Evolutionary Adaptations of Long-Necked Plesiosaurs | Plesiosaurs, a diverse group of Mesozoic marine reptiles, have intrigued paleontologists with their unique morphologies and varied feeding strategies. Recent studies suggest that differences in body size and neck length have significant ecological implications. In this paper, we present the cooperative shadow feeding hypothesis, proposing that large-bodied, long-necked plesiosaurs (e.g., elasmosaurids) engaged in group feeding by casting shadows that attracted schools of small fish, which were captured by rapidly extending their necks. This strategy was likely supported by a highly flexible esophagus capable of storing large quantities of prey and by gastroliths that aided in prey processing. In contrast, smallbodied, short-necked forms, such as polycotylids, appear to have been solitary hunters in deeper waters. We integrate fossil evidence, functional morphology, and comparisons with modern marine animals to offer a comprehensive view of plesiosaur feeding ecology and evolution. Our hypothesis not only provides insights into the adaptive significance of neck elongation but also suggests potential social behaviors in these marine reptiles. We further outline future research directions including biomechanical analyses, taphonomic studies of gastrolith distribution, and paleoenvironmental investigations. | 2025-02-05T13:48:30.965640 | 2025-02-06T17:35:22.339932 | 2025-02-06T17:34:18.587699 | 2025-02-04T15:00:00 | paleorxiv | 1 | accepted | 1 | 1 | https://doi.org/10.31233/osf.io/unt6d_v1 | CC-By Attribution 4.0 International | Cooperative Shadow Feeding; Elasmosauridae; Feeding Ecology; Functional Morphology; Gastroliths; Long-necked Plesiosaurs | ["Cooperative Shadow Feeding", "Elasmosauridae", "Feeding Ecology", "Functional Morphology", "Gastroliths", "Long-necked Plesiosaurs"] | Kurando Iida | [{"id": "6aw3k", "name": "Kurando Iida", "index": 0, "orcid": "0009-0004-2893-817X", "bibliographic": true}] | Kurando Iida | Earth and Life Sciences; Paleobiology; Paleoecology; Vertebrate Paleobiology | [{"id": "5995e22f54be8102ecb31c7c", "text": "Earth and Life Sciences"}, {"id": "5995e22f54be8102ecb31c7f", "text": "Paleobiology"}, {"id": "5995e22f54be8102ecb31c82", "text": "Paleoecology"}, {"id": "5995e22f54be8102ecb31c88", "text": "Vertebrate Paleobiology"}] | https://osf.io/download/67a36c434df9ff202ecc8e75 | 0 | not_applicable | not_applicable | [] | 2025-04-09T21:06:18.501635 |