Comparison of the Functional Morphology of Appalachiosaurus and Albertosaurus

Abstract

In order to assess how similar Appalachiosaurus and Albertosaurus libratus are, their functional morphology was compared with emphasis on bite force, velocity, dentition, and skull construction with implication on possible feeding behaviors. It was found that despite their skeletal similarities and velocities, they likely filled two different ecological niches which may or may not have influenced a possible retention of basal features in Appalachiosaurus.