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Experimental Biomechanics Of Trinucleid Fringe Pits (Trilobita), Kirk Pearson
Experimental Biomechanics Of Trinucleid Fringe Pits (Trilobita), Kirk Pearson
Honors Papers
The morphometric uniqueness of the trinucleid family of fossil arthropods, known as the trilobites, has led to a considerable amount of attention in paleontology literature. In particular, the distinctive hourglass-shaped pits that dot their anterior have been the subject of debate for over a century. Though anatomically well understood, their function remains unknown. Many proposals have been suggested, including its use as a sieve for filter-feeding, a strong shield for defense, and a sensory mechanism to compensate for their blindness. Despite the wide range of speculations, no study has attempted to model these hypotheses experimentally. Flume experiments and mechanical strength …