Ostéologie et morphologie fonctionnelle des vertèbres cervicales de Halszkaraptor escuilliei

Abstract

This work is about the osteology and the functional morphology of the long-necked dromaeosaurid Halszkaraptor escuilliei. Its cervical vertebrae are described from the atlas to the eleventh (and last) cervical vertebra on the basis of CT-scans that are put into 3D meshes. After the description follows the comparisons between Halszkaraptor escuilliei and the other dromaeosaurids on one hand, with extant species on a another hand. At the end of this part, the head bearing of the Halszkaraptor escuilliei is built anew as well as the range of motion of its neck. Thus, it could make vertical and horizontal movements like birds. In the end, the hypothesis of a semi-aquatic life-style is strengthen.