Modelling compressive loading in large‐bodied mammals reveals distinct biomechanical strategies in proboscidean humeri
Abstract
Proboscideans exhibit limb morphologies specialised for supporting extreme body masses under predominantly compressive loading. These graviportal adaptations include repositioning of the limb bones closer to the trunk, resulting in a columnar stance. Among proboscideans, two humeral morphotypes have been proposed (slender and robust), yet their functional significance under compressive loading remains poorly understood. Finite element analysis (FEA) is applied to evaluate biomechanical performances of proboscidean humeri subject to axial compression, simulating conditions associated with a columnar stance and deviations from it. Our results reveal clear differences between morphotypes, with slender humeri performing worse than the robust morphotype and functioning optimally under near-axial loading. Robust humeri consistently exhibit lower peak stress under both neutral and off-axis loading and show considerable resistance to mediolateral stresses. Across all taxa, stress magnitudes generally increase when deviating from a neutral orientation, especially during posterior loading orientations, highlighting the mechanical importance of maintaining columnar limb posture. These findings support the hypothesis that robust morphologies are better adapted to resist multidirectional stresses, while slender morphologies favour energetic and locomotor efficiency. This study demonstrates the applicability of FEA in assessing compressive performance in postcranial elements and provides a novel framework for investigating biomechanical adaptations in graviportal taxa.
Authors 3
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Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin · Maastricht University
Affiliation as printed
Comparative Zoology Institut für Biologie, Humboldt‐Universität zu Berlin Berlin Germany
Maastricht Science Programme, Faculty of Science and Engineering Maastricht University Maastricht the Netherlands
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University of California, Berkeley · Universidad de Málaga
Affiliation as printed
Departamento de Ecología y Geología, Facultad de Ciencias Universidad de Málaga Málaga Spain
Department of Integrative Biology University of California Berkeley Berkeley California USA
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Jesse J. Hennekam corresponding Aachen Understanding Evolution Naturalis Biodiversity Center Leiden the Netherlands
Maastricht University · Naturalis Biodiversity Center
Affiliation as printed
Maastricht Science Programme, Faculty of Science and Engineering Maastricht University Maastricht the Netherlands
Understanding Evolution Naturalis Biodiversity Center Leiden the Netherlands
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