Bite mechanics within the wolf lineage: feeding capabilities of Canis borjgali and Canis mosbachensis inferred by digital bite simulation.

Abstract

Genus Canis species plays a key role as predator in terrestrial ecosystems. However, the evolutionary history of these carnivorans is still not fully understood. To explore this topic, we studied the bite of two fossil close relatives of the modern grey wolf, Canis borjgali and Canis mosbachensis, through digital bite simulations via finite element analysis (FEA). We used computer simulations based on computed tomography (CT) scans of fossil skulls to recreate how these animals catch and chew their prey. These simulations allowed us to test how their skulls react during different types of bites. To improve our analysis, the bite performance of C. borjgali and C. mosbachensis was compared with those of a selection of living canids having different diets. Our results suggest that C. borjgali had a relatively strong skull capable of handling hard food (such as bones). On the other hand, C. mosbachensis showed higher stress on its skull during the bite simulations, which means that its skull was somewhat weaker. Moreover, the FEA bite simulation evidence shows that the frontal sinuses (a pair of cavities located in the frontal bones) play a key role in dealing with bite-related stress, especially in a canine bite scenario.