THE FUNCTION AND EVOLUTION OF STEGOSAUR OSTEODERMS AND HYPOTHESIZED SEXUAL DIMORPHISM IN HESPEROSAURUS
Evan Thomas Saitta, Vincent Bonhomme, Mitchell Lukens, Daniel Vidal, Nicholas R. Longrich, Dean R. Richmond, Maximilian T. Stockdale
This paper reevaluates stegosaur osteoderm variation, provides statistical support for sexual dimorphism in Hesperosaurus, and proposes an evolutionary model linking osteoderm function to sexual selection and predation pressure.
bioRxiv · Apr 10, 2025 · PreprintPaleontology