Increasing the impact of vertebrate scientific collections through 3D imaging: The openVertebrate (oVert) Thematic Collections Network

BioScience, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 74(3), С. 169 - 186

Опубликована: Март 1, 2024

Abstract The impact of preserved museum specimens is transforming and increasing by three-dimensional (3D) imaging that creates high-fidelity online digital specimens. Through examples from the openVertebrate (oVert) Thematic Collections Network, we describe how created a digitization community dedicated to shared vision making 3D data available these on broad audience scientists, students, teachers, artists, more. High-fidelity models allow people multiple communities simultaneously access use scientific Based our multiyear, multi-institution project, identify significant technological social hurdles remain for fully realizing potential

Язык: Английский

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Dynamic evolutionary interplay between ontogenetic skull patterning and whole-head integration

Nature Ecology & Evolution, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 8(3), С. 536 - 551

Опубликована: Янв. 10, 2024

Язык: Английский

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A new genus of metriorhynchid crocodylomorph from the Lower Cretaceous of Germany

Journal of Systematic Palaeontology, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 22(1)

Опубликована: Июль 18, 2024

Язык: Английский

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A review of the non‐semiaquatic adaptations of extinct crocodylomorphs throughout their fossil record

The Anatomical Record, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 308(2), С. 266 - 314

Опубликована: Ноя. 25, 2024

Abstract Crocodylomorphs constitute a clade of archosaurs that have thrived since the Mesozoic until today and survived numerous major biological crises. Contrary to historic belief, their semiaquatic extant representatives (crocodylians) are not living fossils, and, during evolutionary history, crocodylomorphs evolved live in variety environments. This review aims summarize non‐semiaquatic adaptations (i.e., either terrestrial or fully aquatic) different groups from periods, highlighting how exactly those lifestyles inferred for animals, with regard geographic temporal distribution phylogenetic relationships. The ancestral condition Crocodylomorpha seems been lifestyle, linked several morphological such as an altirostral skull, long limbs allowing erect posture specialized dentition diets based on land. However, some members this clade, thalattosuchians dyrosaurids display opposite, aquatic interestingly same type observations. Finally, new techniques inferring paleobiology extinct animals put forward last decade, appearing complementary approach traditional descriptions comparisons. Such is case paleoneuroanatomical (CT scan data), histological, geochemical studies.

Язык: Английский

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Ontogenetic variability of the intertympanic sinus distinguishes lineages within Crocodylia

Journal of Anatomy, Год журнала: 2023, Номер 242(6), С. 1096 - 1123

Опубликована: Янв. 29, 2023

Abstract The phylogenetic relationships within crown Crocodylia remain contentious due to conflicts between molecular and morphological hypotheses. However, morphology‐based datasets are mostly constructed on external characters, overlooking internal structures. Here, we use 3D geometric morphometrics study the shape of intertympanic sinus system in crocodylians during ontogeny, order assess its significance a taxonomic context. Intertympanic was found be highly correlated with size modulated by cranial development. Still, adult morphology distinguishes specimens at family, genus species level. We observe clear distinction Alligatoridae Longirostres, separation different Crocodylus subfossil Malagasy Voay , Tomistoma Gavialis lineages. Our approach is independent methods but concurs topologies. Therefore, characters could add significantly datasets, offering an alternative viewpoint resolve problems crocodylian relationships.

Язык: Английский

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The neuroanatomy and pneumaticity of Hamadasuchus (Crocodylomorpha, Peirosauridae) from the Cretaceous of Morocco and its paleoecological significance for altirostral forms

Journal of Anatomy, Год журнала: 2023, Номер 243(3), С. 374 - 393

Опубликована: Июнь 13, 2023

We describe the endocranial structures of Hamadasuchus, a peirosaurid crocodylomorph from late Albian-Cenomanian Kem group Morocco. The cranial endocast, associated nerves and arteries, endosseous labyrinths, pneumatization, as well bones braincase new specimen, are reconstructed compared with extant fossil crocodylomorphs, which represent different lifestyles. Cranial this specimen identified belonging to close affinities Rukwasuchus yajabalijekundu, another 'middle' Cretaceous Tanzania. comparable those R. yajabalijekundu but also baurusuchids sebecids (sebecosuchians). Paleobiological traits such alert head posture, ecology, behavior explored for first time, using quantitative metrics. expanded narrow semi-circular canals enlarged pneumatization skull Hamadasuchus linked terrestrial lifestyle. Continuing work on neuroanatomy supposedly crocodylomorphs needs be broadened other groups will allow characterize whether some internal affected by lifestyle these organisms.

Язык: Английский

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Ontogenetic Changes in Endocranial Anatomy in Gorgosaurus libratus (Theropoda: Tyrannosauridae) Provide Insight Into the Evolution of the Tyrannosauroid Endocranium

The Journal of Comparative Neurology, Год журнала: 2025, Номер 533(5)

Опубликована: Апрель 28, 2025

ABSTRACT Over the past two decades, increased accessibility to computed tomography (CT) scanners has greatly facilitated documentation of endocranium in numerous extinct theropod taxa. However, most these studies have focused on morphology mature individuals, thus changes or variation through ontogeny theropods remains largely unknown. The current study sheds light endocranial anatomy eutyrannosaurian tyrannosauroid, Gorgosaurus libratus , both an ontogenetic and evolutionary context. Based CT scans six braincases, including those recently discovered juvenile we virtually reconstruct describe for a growth series G. . Despite considerable skull architecture, relatively few occurred These include subtle increase length hindbrain region endocast inflation tympanic sinus diverticula adults relative juveniles. Among significant is decrease distinctiveness brain endocasts as mature. exhibit better defined cerebral hemispheres, optic lobes, cerebella than larger more individuals. This suggests closer correspondence between tyrannosaurids, indicating individuals provides accurate representation structure its regions displays mix basal archosaurian traits derived coelurosaurian traits. More primitive features large olfactory bulbs tracts, posteroventrally oriented long axis cerebrum, posteriorly positioned whereas prominent flexure, somewhat enlarged cerebellum that at least partially separates left right lobes. An understanding acquisition such leading avian may be further elucidated via (more reflective structure/organization various regions) earlier‐diverging (e.g., Allosauroidea, Megalosauroidea, Coelophysoidea).

Язык: Английский

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Ontogenetic variation in the crocodylian vestibular system

Journal of Anatomy, Год журнала: 2021, Номер 240(5), С. 821 - 832

Опубликована: Ноя. 28, 2021

Abstract Crocodylians today live in tropical to subtropical environments, occupying mostly shallow waters. Their body size changes drastically during ontogeny, as do their skull dimensions and bite forces, which are associated with prey preferences. Endocranial neurosensory structures have also shown change ontogenetically, but less is known about the vestibular system of inner ear. Here we use 30 high‐resolution computed tomography (CT) scans three‐dimensional geometric morphometrics investigate shape crocodylian endosseous labyrinths throughout across four stages (hatchling, juvenile, subadult adult). We find two major patterns ontogenetic change. First, labyrinth increases negative allometry relation size. Second, significantly, hatchlings having shorter semicircular canal radii, thicker diameters an overall dorsoventrally than those more mature individuals. argue that modification ontogeny related constraints imposed by growth, due fundamental braincase (e.g. verticalisation basicranium), rather locomotion, diet, or other biological functions behaviours.

Язык: Английский

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Neuroanatomy of the crocodylomorph Portugalosuchus azenhae from the late cretaceous of Portugal

Journal of Anatomy, Год журнала: 2023, Номер 242(6), С. 1146 - 1171

Опубликована: Фев. 2, 2023

Abstract We present the first detailed braincase anatomical description and neuroanatomical study of Portugalosuchus azenhae , from Cenomanian (Late Cretaceous) Portugal. This eusuchian crocodylomorph was originally described as a putative Crocodylia one oldest representatives this clade; however, its phylogenetic position remains controversial. Based on new data obtained high resolution Computed Tomography images (by micro‐CT scan), aims to improve original taxon also update scarce knowledge Eusuchia time interval, key period understand origin evolution these clades. The resulting three‐dimensional models CT allowed well‐preserved neurocranium internal cavities. Therefore, it possible reconstruct cavities olfactory region, nasopharyngeal ducts, brain, nerves, carotid arteries, blood vessels, paratympanic sinus system inner ear, which estimate some neurosensorial capabilities. By comparison with other crocodylomorphs, analyses showed that back in Cenomanian, already displayed an olfactive acuity, sight, hearing cognitive skills within range observed basal eusuchians crocodylians, including extant species. In addition, order test disputed position, data, helped correct complete observations, were included most recent morphology‐based phylogenies. differs slightly publication since is now located “thoracosaurid” Gavialoidea, but still crocodylian. Despite all this, better contrast results, additional morphological character coding together DNA should be performed.

Язык: Английский

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Neuroanatomy of the mekosuchine crocodylianTrilophosuchus rackhamiWillis, 1993

Journal of Anatomy, Год журнала: 2022, Номер 241(4), С. 981 - 1013

Опубликована: Авг. 29, 2022

Abstract Although our knowledge on crocodylomorph palaeoneurology has experienced considerable growth in recent years, the neuroanatomy of many taxa yet to be studied. This is true for Australian taxa, where thus far only two crocodylian crocodylomorphs have had aspects their explored. Here, mekosuchine Trilophosuchus rackhami described first time, which significantly increases understanding crocodylians. The palaeoneurological description based taxon's holotype specimen (QMF16856), was subjected a μCT scan. Because exceptional preservation QMF16856, most neuroanatomical elements could digitally reconstructed and detail. Therefore, assessment presented here hitherto in‐depth study this kind an extinct crocodylomorph. brain endocast with distinctive morphology that characterized by acute dural peak over hindbrain region. While overall unique T. , it does share certain similarities notosuchian crocodyliforms Araripesuchus wegeneri Sebecus icaeorhinus . endosseous labyrinth displays typical crocodylians, although stand‐out feature unusually tall common crus. Indeed, crus one greatest height ratios among currently known labyrinths. paratympanic pneumatic system greatly developed similar those extant crocodylians Osteolaemus tetraspis Paleosuchus palpebrosus observations are also discussed context Crocodylomorpha. comparative reinforces previous evaluations complex diverse species, peculiar neuromorphology, particularly eusuchian crocodyliforms.

Язык: Английский

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