New information on the braincase and inner ear of Euparkeria capensis Broom: implications for diapsid and archosaur evolution.

ABSTRACT: Since its discovery, Euparkeria capensis has been a key taxon for understanding the early evolution of archosaurs. The braincase of Euparkeria was described based on a single specimen, but much uncertainty remained. For the first time, all available braincase material of Euparkeria is re-examined using micro-computed tomography scanning. Contrary to previous work, the parabasisphenoid does not form the posterior border of the fenestra ovalis in lateral view, but it does bear a dorsal projection that forms the anteroventral half of the fenestra. No bone pneumatization was found, but the lateral depression of the parabasisphenoid may have been pneumatic. We propose that the lateral depression likely corresponds to the anterior tympanic recess present in crown archosaurs. The presence of a la

SUBMITTER: Sobral G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4968458 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature