Avialan-like brain morphology in Sinovenator (Troodontidae, Theropoda).
Commun Biol
; 7(1): 168, 2024 Feb 10.
Article
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| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38341492
ABSTRACT
Many modifications to the skull and brain anatomy occurred along the lineage encompassing non-avialan theropod dinosaurs and modern birds. Anatomical changes to the endocranium include an enlarged endocranial cavity, relatively larger optic lobes that imply elevated visual acuity, and proportionately smaller olfactory bulbs that suggest reduced olfactory capacity. Here, we use micro-computed tomographic (µCT) imaging to reconstruct the endocranium and its neuroanatomical features from an exceptionally well-preserved skull of Sinovenator changii (Troodontidae, Theropoda). While its overall morphology resembles the typical endocranium of other troodontids, Sinovenator also exhibits unique endocranial features that are similar to other paravian taxa and non-maniraptoran theropods. Landmark-based geometric morphometric analysis on endocranial shape of non-avialan and avialan dinosaurs points to the overall brain morphology of Sinovenator most closely resembling that of Archaeopteryx, thus indicating acquisition of avialan-grade brain morphology in troodontids and wide existence of such architecture in Maniraptora.
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Dinosaurios
/
Evolución Biológica
Límite:
Animals
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Commun Biol
Año:
2024
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
China