A New Interpretation of the Crocodile Forelimb Morphological Features as Adaptation to Parasagittal Quadrupedal Locomotion on the Ground

Abstract

We describe the crocodile forelimb features that distinguish them from other reptiles. Reduction of the clavicle and a change in the coracoid shape seem to be another way of maintaining the efficient step length, while the antebrachium and manus transformations create peculiar oblique manus position on the ground to promote the forelimb parasagittalization.