Data from: Constraints and adaptations in crocodyliform skull evolution

Crocodyliforms display a diverse range of skull morphologies throughout
their evolutionary history. Extant crocodilians possess platyrostral
(broad and flat) snouts, thought to be sub-optimal for resisting feeding
loads due to the conflicting demands of feeding and hydrodynamic
constraints. In contrast, numerous Mesozoic crocodyliformes possessed
oreinirostral (dome-shaped) skulls, were terrestrial, and hence free from
hydrodynamic constraint. This study aims to examine the role of function
in determining skull shape in crocodyliformes and assesses the difference
in stress resistance between oreinirostral and platyrostral taxa. We
hypothesize that in the absence of hydrodynamic constraints, oreinirostral
taxa have skulls that are better suited for resisting feeding-induced
loads. Using finite element analysis (FEA), we evaluated biomechanical
performance in oreinirostral notosuchian taxa Baurusuchus salgadoensis,
Montealtosuchus arrudacamposi, and Caipirasuchus paulistanus; compared to
the extant platyrostral Alligator mississippiensis, Crocodylus niloticus,
and Paleosuchus palpebrosus. Results show that oreinirostral morphologies
are comparatively better suited for resisting forces generated during
feeding, with increased muscular efficiency, supporting the hypothesis
that hydrodynamic constraints influence crocodyliform skull evolution.