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Tse YT, Miller CV, Pittman M. Morphological disparity and structural performance of the dromaeosaurid skull informs ecology and evolutionary history. BMC Ecol Evol 2024; 24:39. [PMID: 38622512 PMCID: PMC11020771 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-024-02222-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Non-avialan theropod dinosaurs had diverse ecologies and varied skull morphologies. Previous studies of theropod cranial morphology mostly focused on higher-level taxa or characteristics associated with herbivory. To better understand morphological disparity and function within carnivorous theropod families, here we focus on the Dromaeosauridae, 'raptors' traditionally seen as agile carnivorous hunters.We applied 2D geometric morphometrics to quantify skull shape, performed mechanical advantage analysis to assess the efficiency of bite force transfer, and performed finite element analysis to examine strain distribution in the skull during biting. We find that dromaeosaurid skull morphology was less disparate than most non-avialan theropod groups. Their skulls show a continuum of form between those that are tall and short and those that are flat and long. We hypothesise that this narrower morphological disparity indicates developmental constraint on skull shape, as observed in some mammalian families. Mechanical advantage indicates that Dromaeosaurus albertensis and Deinonychus antirrhopus were adapted for relatively high bite forces, while Halszkaraptor escuilliei was adapted for high bite speed, and other dromaeosaurids for intermediate bite forces and speeds. Finite element analysis indicates regions of high strain are consistent within dromaeosaurid families but differ between them. Average strain levels do not follow any phylogenetic pattern, possibly due to ecological convergence between distantly-related taxa.Combining our new morphofunctional data with a re-evaluation of previous evidence, we find piscivorous reconstructions of Halszkaraptor escuilliei to be unlikely, and instead suggest an invertivorous diet and possible adaptations for feeding in murky water or other low-visibility conditions. We support Deinonychus antirrhopus as being adapted for taking large vertebrate prey, but we find that its skull is relatively less resistant to bite forces than other dromaeosaurids. Given the recovery of high bite force resistance for Velociraptor mongoliensis, which is believed to have regularly engaged in scavenging behaviour, we suggest that higher bite force resistance in a dromaeosaurid taxon may reflect a greater reliance on scavenging rather than fresh kills.Comparisons to the troodontid Gobivenator mongoliensis suggest that a gracile rostrum like that of Velociraptor mongoliensis is ancestral to their closest common ancestor (Deinonychosauria) and the robust rostra of Dromaeosaurus albertensis and Deinonychus antirrhopus are a derived condition. Gobivenator mongoliensis also displays a higher jaw mechanical advantage and lower resistance to bite force than the examined dromaeosaurids, but given the hypothesised ecological divergence of troodontids from dromaeosaurids it is unclear which group, if either, represents the ancestral condition. Future work extending sampling to troodontids would therefore be invaluable and provide much needed context to the origin of skull form and function in early birds. This study illustrates how skull shape and functional metrics can discern non-avialan theropod ecology at lower taxonomic levels and identify variants of carnivorous feeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuen Ting Tse
- School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Case Vincent Miller
- Department of Earth Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Michael Pittman
- School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China.
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2
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Yu C, Watanabe A, Qin Z, Logan King J, Witmer LM, Ma Q, Xu X. Avialan-like brain morphology in Sinovenator (Troodontidae, Theropoda). Commun Biol 2024; 7:168. [PMID: 38341492 PMCID: PMC10858883 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-05832-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Congyu Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Oil and Gas Reservoir Geology and Exploitation & Institute of Sedimentary Geology, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, 610059, China
- Key Laboratory of Deep-time Geography and Environment Reconstruction and Applications of Ministry of Natural Resources, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, 610059, China
- Division of Paleontology, American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY, 10024, USA
| | - Akinobu Watanabe
- Division of Paleontology, American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY, 10024, USA
- Department of Anatomy, New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, Old Westbury, NY, 11568, USA
- Department of Life Sciences, Natural History Museum, London, SW7 5BD, UK
| | - Zichuan Qin
- Palaeontology Research Group, School of Earth Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1RJ, UK
| | - J Logan King
- Palaeontology Research Group, School of Earth Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1RJ, UK
- Key Laboratory of Vertebrate Evolution and Human Origins of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Lawrence M Witmer
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio Center for Ecological and Evolutionary Studies, Ohio University, Athens, OH, 45701, USA
| | - Qingyu Ma
- Chongqing Laboratory of Geological Heritage Protection and Research, No. 208 Hydrogeological and Engineering Geological Team, Chongqing Bureau of Geology and Minerals Exploration, Chongqing, 401121, China
| | - Xing Xu
- Key Laboratory of Vertebrate Evolution and Human Origins of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100044, China.
- Centre for Vertebrate Evolutionary Biology, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, China.
- Paleontological Museum of Liaoning, Shenyang Normal University, Liaoning Province, 253 North Huanghe Street, Shenyang, 110034, China.
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Senter PJ. Restudy of shoulder motion in the theropod dinosaur Mononykus olecranus (Alvarezsauridae). PeerJ 2023; 11:e16605. [PMID: 38077415 PMCID: PMC10704983 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Range of motion in the forelimb of the Upper Cretaceous theropod dinosaur Mononykus olecranus, a member of the family Alvarezsauridae, has previously been investigated. However, the method used to investigate range of motion at the shoulder in M. olecranus did not follow the standardized procedure used in subsequent studies. The latter procedure yields more reliable results, and its standardization provides that its results are directly comparable to the results of similar studies in other species. I therefore reinvestigated the range of motion at the shoulder in M. olecranus, using the latter procedure. Methods Casts of the left scapula and coracoid of M. olecranus were posed on a horizontal surface, supported from beneath with modeling clay, with the medial surface of the scapula facing toward the horizontal surface. A cast of the left humerus was posed at the limits of motion through the transverse and parasagittal planes. Photos of the poses in orthal views were superimposed and used to measure range of motion, which was measured as the angle between lines drawn down the long axis of the humerus in each position. Results Through the transverse plane, the humerus of M. olecranus could be elevated to a subhorizontal position and depressed to a subvertical position. It could move through the parasagittal plane from a subvertical position at full protraction to a position above the horizontal at full retraction. These results correct the previous mischaracterization of shoulder motion in M. olecranus as restricted to a small arc with the arms held in a permanent sprawl. The range of humeral motion in M. olecranus is much greater than that found by the previous method and allowed the animal to tuck its arms in at the sides, in addition to allowing them to sprawl so as to orient the palm downward. The wide range of humeral motion allowed M. olecranus to forage for insects by employing hook-and-pull digging at surfaces with a wider range of orientations than the previous study showed to be possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip J. Senter
- Department of Biological and Forensic Sciences, Fayetteville State University, Fayetteville, North Carolina, United States
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4
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Kubo K, Kobayashi Y, Chinzorig T, Tsogtbaatar K. A new alvarezsaurid dinosaur (Theropoda, Alvarezsauria) from the Upper Cretaceous Baruungoyot Formation of Mongolia provides insights for bird-like sleeping behavior in non-avian dinosaurs. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0293801. [PMID: 37967055 PMCID: PMC10651048 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0293801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Alvarezsauria is a group of early-branching maniraptoran theropods that are distributed globally from the Late Jurassic to the latest Cretaceous. Despite recent increases in the fossil record of this group, the scarcity of complete specimens still restricts interpreting their detailed anatomy, ecology, and evolution. Here, we report a new taxon of derived alvarezsaur, Jaculinykus yaruui gen. et sp. nov., from the Late Cretaceous of Mongolia, which represents a nearly complete and articulated skeleton. Our phylogenetic analysis reveals that Jaculinykus belongs to the sub-clade of Alvarezsauridae, Parvicursorinae, and forms a mononphyletic group with Mononykus and Shuvuuia. Its well-preserved manus has only two fingers, composed of a hypertrophied digit I and greatly reduced digit II, which implies an intermediate condition between the tridactyl manus of Shuvuuia and monodactyl manus of Linhenykus. This highlights a previously unrecognized variation in specialization of alvarezsaurid manus. Notably, the preserved posture of the specimen exhibits a stereotypical avian-like sleeping position seen in the troodontids Mei and Sinornithoides. Evidence of this behavior in the alvarezsaur Jaculinykus suggests that stereotypically avian sleeping postures are a maniraptoran synapomorphy, providing more evidence of bird-like traits being distributed broadly among avian ancestors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kohta Kubo
- Department of Natural History and Planetary Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | | | - Tsogtbaatar Chinzorig
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States of America
- Institute of Paleontology, Mongolian Academy of Sciences, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
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5
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Qin Z, Liao CC, Benton MJ, Rayfield EJ. Functional space analyses reveal the function and evolution of the most bizarre theropod manual unguals. Commun Biol 2023; 6:181. [PMID: 36797463 PMCID: PMC9935540 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04552-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Maniraptoran dinosaurs include the ancestors of birds, and most used their hands for grasping and in flight, but early-branching maniraptorans had extraordinary claws of mysterious function. Alvarezsauroids had short, strong arms and hands with a stout, rock-pick-like, single functional finger. Therizinosaurians had elongate fingers with slender and sickle-like unguals, sometimes over one metre long. Here we develop a comprehensive methodological framework to investigate what the functions of these most bizarre bony claws are and how they formed. Our analysis includes finite element analysis and a newly established functional-space analysis and also involves shape and size effects in an assessment of function and evolution. We find a distinct functional divergence among manual unguals of early-branching maniraptorans, and we identify a complex relationship between their structural strength, morphological specialisations, and size changes. Our analysis reveals that efficient digging capabilities only emerged in late-branching alvarezsauroid forelimbs, rejecting the hypothesis of functional vestigial structures like T. rex. Our results also support the statement that most therizinosaurians were herbivores. However, the bizarre, huge Therizinosaurus had sickle-like unguals of such length that no mechanical function has been identified; we suggest they were decorative and lengthened by peramorphic growth linked to increased body size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zichuan Qin
- School of Earth Sciences, Life Sciences Building, University of Bristol, Tyndall Avenue, Bristol, BS8 1TQ, UK.
| | - Chun-Chi Liao
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309Key Laboratory for the Evolutionary Systematics of Vertebrates, Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100044 China
| | - Michael J. Benton
- grid.5337.20000 0004 1936 7603School of Earth Sciences, Life Sciences Building, University of Bristol, Tyndall Avenue, Bristol, BS8 1TQ UK
| | - Emily J. Rayfield
- grid.5337.20000 0004 1936 7603School of Earth Sciences, Life Sciences Building, University of Bristol, Tyndall Avenue, Bristol, BS8 1TQ UK
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6
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Barker CT, Naish D, Trend J, Michels LV, Witmer L, Ridgley R, Rankin K, Clarkin CE, Schneider P, Gostling NJ. Modified skulls but conservative brains? The palaeoneurology and endocranial anatomy of baryonychine dinosaurs (Theropoda: Spinosauridae). J Anat 2023; 242:1124-1145. [PMID: 36781174 PMCID: PMC10184548 DOI: 10.1111/joa.13837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The digital reconstruction of neurocranial endocasts has elucidated the gross brain structure and potential ecological attributes of many fossil taxa, including Irritator, a spinosaurine spinosaurid from the "mid" Cretaceous (Aptian) of Brazil. With unexceptional hearing capabilities, this taxon was inferred to integrate rapid and controlled pitch-down movements of the head that perhaps aided in the predation of small and agile prey such as fish. However, the neuroanatomy of baryonychine spinosaurids remains to be described, and potentially informs on the condition of early spinosaurids. Using micro-computed tomographic scanning (μCT), we reconstruct the braincase endocasts of Baryonyx walkeri and Ceratosuchops inferodios from the Wealden Supergroup (Lower Cretaceous) of England. We show that the gross endocranial morphology is similar to other non-maniraptoriform theropods, and corroborates previous observations of overall endocranial conservatism amongst more basal theropods. Several differences of unknown taxonomic utility are noted between the pair. Baryonychine neurosensory capabilities include low-frequency hearing and unexceptional olfaction, whilst the differing morphology of the floccular lobe tentatively suggests less developed gaze stabilisation mechanisms relative to spinosaurines. Given the morphological similarities observed with other basal tetanurans, baryonychines likely possessed comparable behavioural sophistication, suggesting that the transition from terrestrial hypercarnivorous ancestors to semi-aquatic "generalists" during the evolution of Spinosauridae did not require substantial modification of the brain and sensory systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris Tijani Barker
- Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, University Road, Southampton, UK.,Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Southampton, University Road, Southampton, UK
| | - Darren Naish
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Environment and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, University Road, Southampton, UK
| | - Jacob Trend
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Environment and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, University Road, Southampton, UK
| | - Lysanne Veerle Michels
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Environment and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, University Road, Southampton, UK
| | - Lawrence Witmer
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio Center for Ecology and Evolutionary Studies, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio, USA
| | - Ryan Ridgley
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio Center for Ecology and Evolutionary Studies, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio, USA
| | - Katy Rankin
- μ-VIS X-ray Imaging Centre, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Claire E Clarkin
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Environment and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, University Road, Southampton, UK
| | - Philipp Schneider
- Bioengineering Science Research Group, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.,High-Performance Vision Systems, Center for Vision, Automation and Control, AIT Austrian Institute of Technology, Vienna, Austria
| | - Neil J Gostling
- Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, University Road, Southampton, UK.,School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Environment and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, University Road, Southampton, UK
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7
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Zeyl JN, Snelling EP, Joo R, Clusella-Trullas S. Scaling of ear morphology across 127 bird species and its implications for hearing performance. Hear Res 2023; 428:108679. [PMID: 36587457 DOI: 10.1016/j.heares.2022.108679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The dimensions of auditory structures among animals of varying body size can have implications for hearing performance. Larger animals often have a hearing range focused on lower frequencies than smaller animals, which may be explained by several anatomical mechanisms in the ear and their scaling relationships. While the effect of size on ear morphology and hearing performance has been explored in some mammals, anurans and lizards, much less is known about the scaling relationships for the single-ossicle, internally-coupled ears of birds. Using micro- and nano-CT scans of the tympanic middle and inner ears of 127 ecologically and phylogenetically diverse bird species, spanning more than 400-fold in head mass (2.3 to 950 g), we undertook phylogenetically-informed scaling analyses to test whether 12 morphological traits, of functional importance to hearing, maintain their relative proportions with increasing head mass. We then extended our analysis by regressing these morphological traits with measures of hearing sensitivity and range to better understand morphological underpinnings of hearing performance. We find that most auditory structures scale together in equal proportions, whereas columella length increases disproportionately. We also find that the size of several auditory structures is associated with increased hearing sensitivity and frequency hearing limits, while head mass did not explain these measures. Although both birds and mammals demonstrate proportional scaling between auditory structures, the consequences for hearing in each group may diverge due to unique morphological predictors of auditory performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey N Zeyl
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa.
| | - Edward P Snelling
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, and Centre for Veterinary Wildlife Research, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa
| | - Rocío Joo
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center, University of Florida, Davie, FL, USA; Global Fishing Watch, Washington, DC 20036, USA
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8
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Primate–Predator Interactions: Is There a Mismatch Between Laboratory and Ecological Evidence? INT J PRIMATOL 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10764-022-00331-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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9
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Scheyer TM, Klein N, Evers SW, Mautner AK, Pabst B. First evidence of Proganochelys quenstedtii (Testudinata) from the Plateosaurus bonebeds (Norian, Late Triassic) of Frick, Canton Aargau, Switzerland. SWISS JOURNAL OF PALAEONTOLOGY 2022; 141:17. [PMID: 36317153 PMCID: PMC9613585 DOI: 10.1186/s13358-022-00260-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Proganochelys quenstedtii represents the best-known stem turtle from the Late Triassic, with gross anatomical and internal descriptions of the shell, postcranial bones and skull based on several well-preserved specimens from Central European fossil locations. We here report on the first specimen of P. quenstedtii from the Late Triassic (Klettgau Formation) Frickberg near the town of Frick, Canton Aargau, Switzerland. Similar to other Late Triassic 'Plateosaurus-bearing bonebeds', Proganochelys is considered to be a rare faunal element in the Swiss locality of Frick as well. The specimen, which is largely complete but was found only partially articulated and mixed with large Plateosaurus bones, overall resembles the morphology of the classical specimens from Germany. Despite being disarticulated, most skull bones could be identified and micro-computed tomography (CT) scanning of the posterior skull region reveals new insights into the braincase and neurovascular anatomy, as well as the inner ear region. These include the presence of a fenestra perilymphatica, potentially elongated cochlear ducts, and intense vascularization of small tubercles on the posterior end of the skull roof, which we interpret as horn cores. Other aspects of the skull in the braincase region, such as the presence or absence of a supratemporal remain ambiguous due to the fusion of individual bones and thus lack of visible sutures (externally and internally). Based on the size of the shell and fusion of individual elements, the specimen is interpreted as a skeletally mature animal. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13358-022-00260-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Torsten M. Scheyer
- Palaeontological Institute and Museum, University of Zurich, Karl-Schmid-Strasse 4, 8006 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nicole Klein
- Palaeontological Institute and Museum, University of Zurich, Karl-Schmid-Strasse 4, 8006 Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute of Geosciences, Paleontology, University of Bonn, Nussallee 8, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Serjoscha W. Evers
- Department of Geosciences, University of Fribourg, Ch. du Musée 6, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Anna-Katharina Mautner
- Palaeontological Institute and Museum, University of Zurich, Karl-Schmid-Strasse 4, 8006 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ben Pabst
- Sauriermuseum Aathal, Zürichstrasse 69, 8607 Aathal-Seegräben, Switzerland
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10
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Hu H, Wang Y, Fabbri M, O’Connor JK, Mcdonald PG, Wroe S, Yin X, Zheng X, Zhou Z, Benson RBJ. Cranial osteology and palaeobiology of the Early Cretaceous bird Jeholornis prima (Aves: Jeholornithiformes). Zool J Linn Soc 2022. [DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlac089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Jeholornis is a representative of the earliest-diverging bird lineages, providing important evidence of anatomical transitions involved in bird origins. Although ~100 specimens have been reported, its cranial morphology remains poorly documented owing to poor two-dimensional preservation, limiting our understanding of the morphology and ecology of the key avian lineage Jeholornithiformes, in addition to cranial evolution during the origin and early evolution of birds. Here, we provide a detailed description of the cranial osteology of Jeholornis prima, based primarily on high-quality, three-dimensional data of a recently reported specimen. New anatomical information confirms the overall plesiomorphic morphology of the skull, with the exception of the more specialized rostrum. Data from a large sample size of specimens reveal the dental formula of J. prima to be 0–2–3 (premaxillary–maxillary–dentary tooth counts), contrary to previous suggestions that the presence of maxillary teeth is diagnostic of a separate species, Jeholornis palmapenis. We also present evidence of sensory adaptation, including relatively large olfactory bulbs in comparison to other known stem birds, suggesting that olfaction was an important aspect of Jeholornis ecology. The digitally reconstructed scleral ring suggests a strongly diurnal habit, supporting the hypothesis that early-diverging birds were predominantly active during the day.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Hu
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Oxford , Oxford OX1 3AN , UK
| | - Yan Wang
- Institute of Geology and Paleontology, Linyi University , Linyi, Shandong 276000 , China
| | - Matteo Fabbri
- Negaunee Integrative Research Center, Field Museum of Natural History , Chicago, IL 60605 , USA
| | - Jingmai K O’Connor
- Negaunee Integrative Research Center, Field Museum of Natural History , Chicago, IL 60605 , USA
- Key Laboratory of Vertebrate Evolution and Human Origins, Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology, Chinese Academy of Sciences , 100044 Beijing , China
- Center for Excellence in Life and Paleoenvironment, Chinese Academy of Sciences , 100044 Beijing , China
| | - Paul G Mcdonald
- Zoology Division, School of Environmental and Rural Sciences, University of New England , Armidale, NSW 2351 , Australia
| | - Stephen Wroe
- Zoology Division, School of Environmental and Rural Sciences, University of New England , Armidale, NSW 2351 , Australia
| | - Xuwei Yin
- Shandong Tianyu Museum of Nature , Pingyi, Shandong, China
| | - Xiaoting Zheng
- Institute of Geology and Paleontology, Linyi University , Linyi, Shandong 276000 , China
- Shandong Tianyu Museum of Nature , Pingyi, Shandong, China
| | - Zhonghe Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Vertebrate Evolution and Human Origins, Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology, Chinese Academy of Sciences , 100044 Beijing , China
- Center for Excellence in Life and Paleoenvironment, Chinese Academy of Sciences , 100044 Beijing , China
| | - Roger B J Benson
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Oxford , Oxford OX1 3AN , UK
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11
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Wang Y, Tang Z, Zhang X, Yang L. Auditory and cross-modal attentional bias toward positive natural sounds: Behavioral and ERP evidence. Front Hum Neurosci 2022; 16:949655. [PMID: 35967006 PMCID: PMC9372282 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2022.949655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, researchers have expanded the investigation into attentional biases toward positive stimuli; however, few studies have examined attentional biases toward positive auditory information. In three experiments, the present study employed an emotional spatial cueing task using emotional sounds as cues and auditory stimuli (Experiment 1) or visual stimuli (Experiment 2 and Experiment 3) as targets to explore whether auditory or visual spatial attention could be modulated by positive auditory cues. Experiment 3 also examined the temporal dynamics of cross-modal auditory bias toward positive natural sounds using event-related potentials (ERPs). The behavioral results of the three experiments consistently demonstrated that response times to targets were faster after positive auditory cues than they were after neutral auditory cues in the valid condition, indicating that healthy participants showed a selective auditory attentional bias (Experiment 1) and cross-modal attentional bias (Experiment 2 and Experiment 3) toward positive natural sounds. The results of Experiment 3 showed that N1 amplitudes were more negative after positive sounds than they were after neutral sounds, which further provided electrophysiological evidence that positive auditory information enhances attention at early stages in healthy adults. The results of the experiments performed in the present study suggest that humans exhibit an attentional bias toward positive natural sounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanmei Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Psychological Crisis Intervention, School of Psychology and Cognitive Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Changning Mental Health Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhenwei Tang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Psychological Crisis Intervention, School of Psychology and Cognitive Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoxuan Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Psychological Crisis Intervention, School of Psychology and Cognitive Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Changning Mental Health Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Libing Yang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Psychological Crisis Intervention, School of Psychology and Cognitive Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
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Bazzana KD, Evans DC, Bevitt JJ, Reisz RR. Neurosensory anatomy of Varanopidae and its implications for early synapsid evolution. J Anat 2022; 240:833-849. [PMID: 34775594 PMCID: PMC9005680 DOI: 10.1111/joa.13593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Varanopids are a group of Palaeozoic terrestrial amniotes which represent one of the earliest-diverging groups of synapsids, but their palaeoneurology has gone largely unstudied and recent analyses have challenged their traditional placement within synapsids. We utilized computed tomography (CT) to study the virtual cranial and otic endocasts of six varanopids, including representative taxa of both mycterosaurines and varanodontines. Our results show that the varanopid brain is largely plesiomorphic, being tubular in shape and showing no expansion of the cerebrum or olfactory bulbs, but is distinct in showing highly expanded floccular fossae. The housing of the varanopid bony labyrinth is also distinct, in that the labyrinth is bounded almost entirely by the supraoccipital-opisthotic complex, with the prootic only bordering the ventral portion of the vestibule. The bony labyrinth is surprisingly well-ossified, clearly preserving the elliptical, sub-orthogonal canals, prominent ampullae, and the short, undifferentiated vestibule; this high degree of ossification is similar to that seen in therapsid synapsids and supports the traditional placement of varanopids within Synapsida. The enlarged anterior canal, together with the elliptical, orthogonal canals and enlarged floccular fossa, lend support for the fast head movements indicated by the inferred predatory feeding mode of varanopids. Reconstructed neurosensory anatomy indicates that varanopids may have a much lower-frequency hearing range compared to more derived synapsids, suggesting that, despite gaining some active predatory features, varanopids retain plesiomorphic hearing capabilities. As a whole, our data reveal that the neuroanatomy of pelycosaur-grade synapsids is far more complex than previously anticipated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayla D. Bazzana
- Department of BiologyUniversity of Toronto MississaugaMississaugaCanada
- Department of Natural HistoryRoyal Ontario MuseumTorontoCanada
| | - David C. Evans
- Department of Natural HistoryRoyal Ontario MuseumTorontoCanada
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary BiologyUniversity of TorontoTorontoCanada
| | - Joseph J. Bevitt
- Australian Centre for Neutron ScatteringAustralian Nuclear Science and Technology OrganisationLucas HeightsNew South WhalesAustralia
| | - Robert R. Reisz
- Department of BiologyUniversity of Toronto MississaugaMississaugaCanada
- International Center of Future ScienceDinosaur Evolution Research CenterJilin UniversityChangchunJilin ProvinceChina
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Early evolution of diurnal habits in owls (Aves, Strigiformes) documented by a new and exquisitely preserved Miocene owl fossil from China. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2119217119. [PMID: 35344399 PMCID: PMC9169863 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2119217119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
SignificanceOwls, with their largely nocturnal habits, contrast strikingly with the vast majority of diurnal birds. A new spectacular late Miocene owl skeleton from China unexpectedly preserves the oldest evidence for daytime behavior in owls. The extinct owl is a member of the clade Surniini, which contains most living diurnal owl species. Analysis of the preserved eye bones documents them as consistent with diurnal birds, and phylogenetically constrained character mapping coincides with a reconstruction of an early evolutionary reversal away from nocturnal habits in this owl group. These results support a potential Miocene origin of nonnocturnal habits in a globally distributed owl group, which may be linked to steppe habitat expansion and climatic cooling in the late Miocene.
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Newham E, Gill PG, Corfe IJ. New tools suggest a middle Jurassic origin for mammalian endothermy: Advances in state-of-the-art techniques uncover new insights on the evolutionary patterns of mammalian endothermy through time: Advances in state-of-the-art techniques uncover new insights on the evolutionary patterns of mammalian endothermy through time. Bioessays 2022; 44:e2100060. [PMID: 35170781 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202100060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
We suggest that mammalian endothermy was established amongst Middle Jurassic crown mammals, through reviewing state-of-the-art fossil and living mammal studies. This is considerably later than the prevailing paradigm, and has important ramifications for the causes, pattern, and pace of physiological evolution amongst synapsids. Most hypotheses argue that selection for either enhanced aerobic activity, or thermoregulation was the primary driver for synapsid physiological evolution, based on a range of fossil characters that have been linked to endothermy. We argue that, rather than either alternative being the primary selective force for the entirety of endothermic evolution, these characters evolved quite independently through time, and across the mammal family tree, principally as a response to shifting environmental pressures and ecological opportunities. Our interpretations can be tested using closely linked proxies for both factors, derived from study of fossils of a range of Jurassic and Cretaceous mammaliaforms and early mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elis Newham
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK.,Department of Palaeontology, Institute for Geosciences, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Pamela G Gill
- School of Earth Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.,Earth Sciences Department, Natural History Museum, London, UK
| | - Ian J Corfe
- Jernvall Laboratory, Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Geological Survey of Finland, Espoo, Finland
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Schade M, Knötschke N, Hörnig MK, Paetzel C, Stumpf S. Neurovascular anatomy of dwarf dinosaur implies precociality in sauropods. eLife 2022; 11:82190. [PMID: 36537069 PMCID: PMC9767461 DOI: 10.7554/elife.82190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Macronaria, a group of mostly colossal sauropod dinosaurs, comprised the largest terrestrial vertebrates of Earth's history. However, some of the smallest sauropods belong to this group as well. The Late Jurassic macronarian island dwarf Europasaurus holgeri is one of the most peculiar and best-studied sauropods worldwide. So far, the braincase material of this taxon from Germany pended greater attention. With the aid of micro-computed tomography (microCT), we report on the neuroanatomy of the nearly complete braincase of an adult individual, as well as the inner ears (endosseous labyrinths) of one other adult and several juveniles (the latter also containing novel vascular cavities). The presence of large and morphologically adult inner ears in juvenile material suggests precociality. Our findings add to the diversity of neurovascular anatomy in sauropod braincases and buttress the perception of sauropods as fast-growing and autonomous giants with manifold facets of reproductive and social behaviour. This suggests that - apart from sheer size - little separated Europasaurus from its large-bodied relatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Schade
- University of Greifswald, Institute of Geography and Geology, Palaeontology and HistoricalGreifswaldGermany,University of Greifswald, Zoological Institute and Museum, Cytology and Evolutionary BiologyGreifswaldGermany
| | | | - Marie K Hörnig
- University of Greifswald, Zoological Institute and Museum, Cytology and Evolutionary BiologyGreifswaldGermany
| | - Carina Paetzel
- University of Greifswald, Zoological Institute and Museum, Cytology and Evolutionary BiologyGreifswaldGermany
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von Baczko MB, Desojo JB, Gower DJ, Ridgely R, Bona P, Witmer LM. New digital braincase endocasts of two species of Desmatosuchus and neurocranial diversity within Aetosauria (Archosauria: Pseudosuchia). Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2021; 305:2415-2434. [PMID: 34662509 DOI: 10.1002/ar.24798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
In the present contribution we revise, figure, and redescribe several isolated braincases of the iconic aetosaur Desmatosuchus from the Placerias Quarry locality, Chinle Formation, Arizona, United States. The detailed study of the isolated braincases from the UCMP collection allowed us to assign them at the species-level and recognize two species of Desmatosuchus for the Placerias Quarry: D. spurensis and D. smalli. The former can be distinguished from the latter by the presence of a transverse sulcus on the parietals, deep median pharyngeal recess on the basisphenoid, almost no gap between the basal tubera and the basipterygoid processes, and the exoccipitals meeting at the midline. The presence of D. smalli at the Placerias Quarry has not been previously reported. Based on the braincases UCMP 27408, 27410, 27407, three new brain endocasts were developed through CT scan images, reconstructing the most complete endocranial casts known for an aetosaur, including the encephalon, cranial nerves, inner ear, and endocranial vasculature. The cranial endocasts also exhibited some differences between both species of Desmatosuchus, with D. spurensis having a distinguishable dural expansion and markedly asymmetric anterior and posterior semicircular canals of the labyrinth. Additionally, the combination of osteological features and the endocranial casts allowed us to identify and discuss the presence of an ossified orbitosphenoid on the anteriormost region of the braincase among aetosaurs. Furthermore, we were able to reinterpret some of the observations made by previous authors on the endocast of the holotype of Desmatosuchus spurensis (UMMP VP 7476) and provide some insight into their neurosensory capabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Belén von Baczko
- Sección Paleontología de Vertebrados, Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales "Bernardino Rivadavia", Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Julia B Desojo
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.,División Paleontología Vertebrados, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina
| | - David J Gower
- Department of Life Sciences, The Natural History Museum, London, UK
| | - Ryan Ridgely
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ohio Center for Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio, USA
| | - Paula Bona
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.,División Paleontología Vertebrados, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Lawrence M Witmer
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ohio Center for Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio, USA
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Witmer LM. Making sense of dinosaurs and birds. Science 2021; 372:575-576. [PMID: 33958465 DOI: 10.1126/science.abi5697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lawrence M Witmer
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701, USA.
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