Complex neuroanatomy in the rostrum of the Isle of Wight theropod Neovenator salerii
Abstract The discovery of large, complex, internal canals within the rostra of fossil reptiles has been linked with an enhanced tactile function utilised in an aquatic context, so far in pliosaurids, the Cretaceous theropod Spinosaurus, and the related spinosaurid Baryonyx. Here, we report the prese...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Nature Portfolio
2017-06-01
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| Series: | Scientific Reports |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-017-03671-3 |
| _version_ | 1818841150444797952 |
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| author | Chris Tijani Barker Darren Naish Elis Newham Orestis L. Katsamenis Gareth Dyke |
| author_facet | Chris Tijani Barker Darren Naish Elis Newham Orestis L. Katsamenis Gareth Dyke |
| author_sort | Chris Tijani Barker |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract The discovery of large, complex, internal canals within the rostra of fossil reptiles has been linked with an enhanced tactile function utilised in an aquatic context, so far in pliosaurids, the Cretaceous theropod Spinosaurus, and the related spinosaurid Baryonyx. Here, we report the presence of a complex network of large, laterally situated, anastomosing channels, discovered via micro-focus computed tomography (μCT), in the premaxilla and maxilla of Neovenator, a mid-sized allosauroid theropod from the Early Cretaceous of the UK. We identify these channels as neurovascular canals, that include parts of the trigeminal nerve; many branches of this complex terminate on the external surfaces of the premaxilla and maxilla where they are associated with foramina. Neovenator is universally regarded as a ‘typical’ terrestrial, predatory theropod, and there are no indications that it was aquatic, amphibious, or unusual with respect to the ecology or behaviour predicted for allosauroids. Accordingly, we propose that enlarged neurovascular facial canals shouldn’t be used to exclusively support a model of aquatic foraging in theropods and argue instead that an enhanced degree of facial sensitivity may have been linked with any number of alternative behavioural adaptations, among them defleshing behaviour, nest selection/maintenance or social interaction. |
| first_indexed | 2024-12-19T04:21:30Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-defa0b0722dc4cc39818767ac6502833 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2045-2322 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-12-19T04:21:30Z |
| publishDate | 2017-06-01 |
| publisher | Nature Portfolio |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Scientific Reports |
| spelling | doaj.art-defa0b0722dc4cc39818767ac65028332022-12-21T20:36:08ZengNature PortfolioScientific Reports2045-23222017-06-01711810.1038/s41598-017-03671-3Complex neuroanatomy in the rostrum of the Isle of Wight theropod Neovenator saleriiChris Tijani Barker0Darren Naish1Elis Newham2Orestis L. Katsamenis3Gareth Dyke4Ocean and Earth Science, National Oceanography Centre, University of Southampton, European WayOcean and Earth Science, National Oceanography Centre, University of Southampton, European WayFaculty of Engineering and the Environment, University of SouthamptonµVIS X-ray Imaging Centre, Faculty of Engineering and the Environment, University of SouthamptonDepartment of Evolutionary Zoology and Human Biology, University of DebrecenAbstract The discovery of large, complex, internal canals within the rostra of fossil reptiles has been linked with an enhanced tactile function utilised in an aquatic context, so far in pliosaurids, the Cretaceous theropod Spinosaurus, and the related spinosaurid Baryonyx. Here, we report the presence of a complex network of large, laterally situated, anastomosing channels, discovered via micro-focus computed tomography (μCT), in the premaxilla and maxilla of Neovenator, a mid-sized allosauroid theropod from the Early Cretaceous of the UK. We identify these channels as neurovascular canals, that include parts of the trigeminal nerve; many branches of this complex terminate on the external surfaces of the premaxilla and maxilla where they are associated with foramina. Neovenator is universally regarded as a ‘typical’ terrestrial, predatory theropod, and there are no indications that it was aquatic, amphibious, or unusual with respect to the ecology or behaviour predicted for allosauroids. Accordingly, we propose that enlarged neurovascular facial canals shouldn’t be used to exclusively support a model of aquatic foraging in theropods and argue instead that an enhanced degree of facial sensitivity may have been linked with any number of alternative behavioural adaptations, among them defleshing behaviour, nest selection/maintenance or social interaction.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-017-03671-3 |
| spellingShingle | Chris Tijani Barker Darren Naish Elis Newham Orestis L. Katsamenis Gareth Dyke Complex neuroanatomy in the rostrum of the Isle of Wight theropod Neovenator salerii Scientific Reports |
| title | Complex neuroanatomy in the rostrum of the Isle of Wight theropod Neovenator salerii |
| title_full | Complex neuroanatomy in the rostrum of the Isle of Wight theropod Neovenator salerii |
| title_fullStr | Complex neuroanatomy in the rostrum of the Isle of Wight theropod Neovenator salerii |
| title_full_unstemmed | Complex neuroanatomy in the rostrum of the Isle of Wight theropod Neovenator salerii |
| title_short | Complex neuroanatomy in the rostrum of the Isle of Wight theropod Neovenator salerii |
| title_sort | complex neuroanatomy in the rostrum of the isle of wight theropod neovenator salerii |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-017-03671-3 |
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