What does a paleontologist not need to know in order to calculate the force with which an ankylosaur could swing its tail?

the adaptive function of the tail

Explanation:

Other adaptive uses of the tail are for defense (e.g., porcupine), social signals (dog), warning signals (rattlesnake), and hunting (alligator). Most of the tail vertebrae of birds have been fused into the short pygostyle bone; this appendage holds the tail feathers, which aid in flight maneuverability.

answer; george herbert mead;