The pterygotid telson as a biological rudder

Abstract

Functional hypotheses for fossil organisms can be rigorously tested through the application of engineering principles and physical laws (paleobiomechanics). Alternative functional models for the telson (tail spine) of the large pterygotid eurypterids are examined in terms of the hydrodynamics of fish propulsion and of ship rudders. The telson probably served as a rudder for steering in the horizontal and vertical planes during swimming, rather than as a thrust producer. The aspect ratio of the telson may approach an ‘optimum’, for the production of rudder forces over a wide range of angles of attack. Pterygotids may have been highly agile, rather than rapidly swimming animals. Eurypterids, functional morphology, paleobiomechanics.