Sidersaura (rebbachisaurid) neuroanatomy and auditory adaptations
66 views
Skip to first unread message
Ben Creisler
Mar 7, 2026, 10:57:42 AM (6 days ago) Mar 7
to DinosaurMa...@googlegroups.com
Ben Creisler
A new paper:
===
Juan P. Garderes, Lucas N. Lerzo & Fabien Knoll (2026)
Neuroanatomy and auditory adaptations of Sidersaura marae: insights into the palaeoecology of rebbachisaurid sauropods
Cretaceous Research 106364
doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cretres.2026.106364
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0195667126000534
Highlights
The skull roof of Sidersaura is interrupted by a frontoparietal fenestra
The CN XI merges laterally into the recessus scalae tympani
Rebbachisaurids share a rostroventrally oriented transversotrigeminal vein
Sauropods and small theropods have similar best hearing frequencies
Results provide potential inferences regarding parental care and non-vocal communication
Abstract
The neuroanatomy of rebbachisaurid sauropods is known from the Gondwanan taxa Nigersaurus taqueti, Campananeyen fragilissimus, and Limaysaurus tessonei. Here, the endocranial morphology of the recently named rebbachisaurid Sidersaura marae is reconstructed and analyzed. A large portion of the endocast could be visualized, inclusive of the cranial nerves V to XII from the right side, the major associated vasculature, and the labyrinth of both inner ears. Its morphology differs from that of other Rebbachisauridae, particularly in the rostral dorsal expansion that is not entirely covered by the skull roof (existence of a frontoparietal fenestra). The presence of traces of dorsal diploic vessels, and the particular pathway of cranial nerve XI?/XII(rostral branch)? further set the endocast apart from those of other rebbachisaurids. The new data from Sidersaura suggest that the presence of a rostroventrally inclined transversotrigeminal vein and the basilar artery piercing the dorsum sellae are neuroanatomical features characteristic of Rebbachisauridae. Finally, rebbachisaurids may stand out from other sauropods in the variation in hearing capabilities relative to body size, suggesting potential palaeoecological selective pressures on the auditory sensitivity and plausible communication faculties.
=====
Juan P. Garderes, Lucas N. Lerzo & Fabien Knoll (2026)
Neuroanatomy and auditory adaptations of Sidersaura marae: insights into the palaeoecology of rebbachisaurid sauropods
Cretaceous Research 106364
doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cretres.2026.106364
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0195667126000534
Highlights
The skull roof of Sidersaura is interrupted by a frontoparietal fenestra
The CN XI merges laterally into the recessus scalae tympani
Rebbachisaurids share a rostroventrally oriented transversotrigeminal vein
Sauropods and small theropods have similar best hearing frequencies
Results provide potential inferences regarding parental care and non-vocal communication
Abstract
The neuroanatomy of rebbachisaurid sauropods is known from the Gondwanan taxa Nigersaurus taqueti, Campananeyen fragilissimus, and Limaysaurus tessonei. Here, the endocranial morphology of the recently named rebbachisaurid Sidersaura marae is reconstructed and analyzed. A large portion of the endocast could be visualized, inclusive of the cranial nerves V to XII from the right side, the major associated vasculature, and the labyrinth of both inner ears. Its morphology differs from that of other Rebbachisauridae, particularly in the rostral dorsal expansion that is not entirely covered by the skull roof (existence of a frontoparietal fenestra). The presence of traces of dorsal diploic vessels, and the particular pathway of cranial nerve XI?/XII(rostral branch)? further set the endocast apart from those of other rebbachisaurids. The new data from Sidersaura suggest that the presence of a rostroventrally inclined transversotrigeminal vein and the basilar artery piercing the dorsum sellae are neuroanatomical features characteristic of Rebbachisauridae. Finally, rebbachisaurids may stand out from other sauropods in the variation in hearing capabilities relative to body size, suggesting potential palaeoecological selective pressures on the auditory sensitivity and plausible communication faculties.
=====
Reply all
Reply to author
Forward
0 new messages