The eating habits of Diplodocus, one of the longest known
dinosaur - about 30 meters in length and weighing around 15
tonnes, have been revealed by scientists using CT scans and
biomechanical modelling. (CREDIT: ©AMNH/D. Finnin) There has
been great debate about how Diplodocus, which lived around 150
million years ago, ate those large quantities of plants since
its discovery over 130 years ago. To find out the answer, a team
of international researchers, led by the University of Bristol
and the Natural History Museum, used data from a CT scan and
created a 3D model of a complete Diplodocus skull. With the help
of finite element analysis (FEA) — an imaging technology used in
designing aeroplanes to orthopaedic implants, the model was
analysed and digitally tested. Paleontologist Mark Young at the
University of Edinburgh and co-authors revealed the stresses on
the dinosaur skull from three different eating behaviours: a
normal bite, branch stripping and bark stripping. The CT scans
showed Diplodocus' skull rece