The braincase anatomy of <i>Simosaurus gaillardoti</i> (Diapsida: Sauropterygia) revealed with X-ray micro-computed tomography.

ABSTRACT: Sauropterygia is a clade of Mesozoic marine reptiles that includes the eosauropterygian Simosaurus gaillardoti Von Meyer, 1842, classically considered to be a member of Nothosauroidea. The braincase of this species has thus far only been studied in acid-prepared specimens. Acid preparation is a destructive technique prone to information loss, e.g., through the dissolution of thin braincase bones. Here, one well-preserved skull (SMNS 16363) that remains partially embedded in matrix has been visualised using X-ray micro-computed tomography, and the braincase region has been virtually extracted. This braincase provides valuable information on the general shape of the endocast, the existence and shape of epipterygoids, which were previously considered absent in the taxon, the cou

SUBMITTER: London EH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12462691 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature