Massospondylus is one of the most famous dinosaurs in South Africa. Its fossils are very rich. However, this latest study is the first to provide a detailed anatomical survey of a long-necked dinosaur skull.
"I was surprised when I started rebuilding Massospondylus's skull and found all the special features and images that had never been described," Chapelle said, "It just shows that researchers There is still a lot to learn about South Africa's dinosaurs. "
The new CT scan details the relationship between the middle ear and the inner ear of the dinosaur. 3D images also show nerves that go through the neck and head area.
"By comparing the inner ear and the ears of other dinosaurs, we can test and explain problems like how to organize the head and how they move , " Chapelle said. "You can really see the replacement teeth, small size in the jawbone, indicating Massospondylus constantly changing teeth ' .
"Analysis also shows that this dinosaur's skull is of an adult age. This allows us to understand how Massospondylus has developed its body, its size," Chapelle said.
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