Data from: Body mass estimates of an exceptionally complete Stegosaurus (Ornithischia: Thyreophora): comparing volumetric and linear bivariate mass estimation methods

Body mass is a key biological variable, but difficult to assess from
fossils. Various techniques exist for estimating body mass from skeletal
parameters, but few studies have compared outputs from different methods.
Here, we apply several mass estimation methods to an exceptionally
complete skeleton of the dinosaur Stegosaurus. Applying a volumetric
convex-hulling technique to a digital model of Stegosaurus, we estimate a
mass of 1560 kg (95% prediction interval 1082–2256 kg) for this
individual. By contrast, bivariate equations based on limb dimensions
predict values between 2355 and 3751 kg and require implausible amounts of
soft tissue and/or high body densities. When corrected for ontogenetic
scaling, however, volumetric and linear equations are brought into close
agreement. Our results raise concerns regarding the application of
predictive equations to extinct taxa with no living analogues in terms of
overall morphology and highlight the sensitivity of bivariate predictive
equations to the ontogenetic status of the specimen. We emphasize the
significance of rare, complete fossil skeletons in validating widely
applied mass estimation equations based on incomplete skeletal material
and stress the importance of accurately determining specimen age prior to
further analyses.