3D computer models reveal feeding habits of ‘big-mouthed’ fish
Scientists have discovered that one of the largest animals of the Devonian period was a suspension feeder. The findings offer clues into how to protect modern-day species such as baleen whales.
This content was published on
2 minutes
Keystone-SDA/jdp
Some 380 million years ago, placoderms – extinct armoured fish that were bigger than a great white shark – roamed the seas and oceans. There were two distinct forms of placoderms during the Devonian period – the giant menacing Dunkleosteus and the ‘big-mouthed’ Titanichthys.
The latter has long been known as one of the largest animals of the Devonian period, with a length likely exceeding five metres and a lower jaw of one metre. However, very little has been known about the feeding habits of Titanichthys.
Last week, scientists from the University of Zurich and the University of Bristol published a studyExternal link on the jaw mechanics of the Titanichthys that could improve the understanding of how to conserve modern-day suspension feeders such as sharks and whales.
In contrast to the Dunkleosteus, which used its strong fangs to bite its prey, the Titanichthys’ jaw is narrow, toothless and without sharp edges suitable for cutting. It also could not to close its mouth fully, which is why paleontologists presumed it was a suspension feeder.
To test the theory, the researchers used a biomechanical analysis to compare the lower jaw of various placoderm and living species with similar features. The team tested the resistance of the jaws by virtually applying forces to the jaws of 3D computer models, using a technique called Finite Element Analysis to assess how likely each jaw was to break or bend.
“The jaw features of Titanichthys resemble those of other suspension feeders, such as the baleen whale, whale shark or the basking shark,” explains Christian Klug, from the Paleontological Institute of the University of Zurich.
Based on these models, the researchers found that the Titanichthys jaw was more likely to break if it fed on large, hard-shelled prey. As a result, it likely fed by swimming through water slowly with its mouth open wide to capture high concentrations of plankton
The scientists believe that the same methods could be applied to other species to help improve the understanding of the driving factors for the evolution and extinction of species.
This content was published on
Nemo brought the Eurovision Song Contest to Switzerland with a victory on Saturday evening in Malmö, Sweden. It is Switzerland's third victory in the history of the music contest.
Switzerland abstains from vote on Palestinian bid for full UN membership
This content was published on
On Friday, Switzerland abstained from the vote at the General Assembly on granting the Palestinians new rights at the United Nations (UN).
Protein in abdominal fat could help shape obesity treatment
This content was published on
The study analysed fat cells from different locations in the body, and found that those in the abdomen have unique properties.
North African asylum claims fall after rapid Swiss processing
This content was published on
The accelerated procedure, now out of its test phase, has resulted in a significant drop in applications from North African countries.
This content was published on
The artist's song "The Code" focuses on their journey as a nonbinary individual. It is one of the favourites to win this year's contest.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
7,000 years ago, on a Swiss Alp
This content was published on
Scientists from the Oeschger Centre for Climate Change Research at Bern University say there’s a chain of evidence supporting a theory that shepherds living in southwestern Switzerland around 5,000 BC drove their herds to pastures situated at around 2,750 metres above sea level in the Alps. “We have strong indications that argue that people were…
Researchers uncover fossil remains of world’s largest known turtle
This content was published on
Paleobiologists from the University of Zurich are behind the discovery of fossils of an extinct freshwater turtle that weighed over 1,000 kg.
This content was published on
Swiss palaeontologists have discovered a fish jaw featuring rows of reserve teeth with a clever rotating replacement system.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.