Biomechanics (Communication arising): prey attack by a large theropod dinosaur.

Prey-capture strategies in carnivorous dinosaurs have been inferred from the biomechanical features of their tooth structure, the estimated bite force produced, and their diet. Rayfield et al. have used finite-element analysis (FEA) to investigate such structure-function relationships in Allosaurus fragilis, and have found that the skull was designed to bear more stress than could be generated by simple biting.

Adaptations and significance of the cranial feeding apparatus of the sunbeam snake (Xenopeltis unicolor): Part I. Anatomy of the skull.

The skull of the sunbeam snake Xenopeltis unicolor is described and illustrated. In most aspects the skull features are relatable to primitive alethinophidian snakes (henophidian vs. caenophidian snakes of some systems).