Dinosaur kinematics: A statistical analysis provides evidence of predation by theropods

POSTER

Abstract

Dinosaur trackways provide interesting information about the locomotion of these extinct animals. A statistical analysis of the known trackways made by theropods (carnivorous dinosaurs) shows that they usually moved by walking with an average speed of 2.4 $\pm $ 1.5 m/s. Fast running, determined by the relative stride length greater than 3, is observed in about 10{\%} of the trackways, with speeds on the order of 10 m/s. These trackways are believed to have been formed during predation.

Authors

  • Scott Lee

    University of Toledo