Dinosaur Ligament Designed to Do What It Does Do Well

According to a recent study by Montana State University paleontologists, certain sauropods may have had ligaments in their long necks that allowed them to graze more efficiently. These sauropods “had split spines that may have supported two elastic ligaments. When the dinosaurs extended their necks to feed on the left side, the ligament on the right side was stretched, storing energy. As the neck swung back to the right, that energy was released. The same recoil action happened when the sauropods swung their necks to the right.” This sweeping motion allowed them to graze on plants at their level.

Contrary to popular opinion, it doesn’t appear that all of the long-necked dinosaurs used their necks to reach high up in trees. Instead, certain sauropods grazed using a sweeping motion from side to side. The ligaments that this researcher proposes would certainly be helpful in showing how the sauropods did that.

This new research reminds me of a phrase I often teach during special conference sessions for children when I talk about a remarkably designed creature: “It’s designed to do what it does do; what it does do, it does do well. Doesn’t it? Yes, it does. I think it does. Do you? I do hope you do too. Do you?” This always makes kids laugh, but it illustrates an important point—God’s creation bears His fingerprints. All creatures, and the parts that make up those creatures, have been marvelously designed for their purpose. As we study God’s creation, we should be directed to acknowledge and worship our amazing Creator (Psalm 19:1; Romans 1:20).

Thanks for stopping by and thanks for praying,
Ken

This item was written with the assistance of AiG’s research team.