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Avian-like attributes of a virtual brain model of the oviraptorid theropodConchoraptor gracilis

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Abstract

An almost complete adult endoneurocranium ofConchoraptor gracilis Barsbold 1986 (Oviraptoridae; ZPAL MgD-I/95), discovered at the Hermiin Tsav locality (the Upper Cretaceous) in Mongolia, is analyzed. A virtual model of the endoneurocranial cavity was derived from CT scans and represents the most complete maniraptoran endocast to date. It displays reduced olfactory bulbs, large cerebral hemispheres in contact with the expanded cerebellum, an epiphysial projection, optic lobes displaced latero-ventrally, presumptive cerebellar folia, enlarged cerebellar auricles, and a deep medulla oblongata with a prominent ventral flexure. Contrary toArchaeopteryx, the shortened olfactory tract and cerebellum overtopping cerebral hemispheres ofConchoraptor resemble conditions in modern birds. Calculating brain mass relative to body mass indicates thatConchoraptor falls within the range of extant birds, whereasArchaeopteryx occupies a marginal position. Most of the endoneurocranial attributes, however, have a less birdlike appearance inConchoraptor than do corresponding structures inArchaeopteryx and modern birds in which 1) postero-laterally expanded hemispheral domains broadly overlap the optic lobes, 2) the epiphysis projects to the posterior cerebrum, 3) lateral extension of the optic lobes substantially decreases a brain length-to-width ratio, 4) optic lobe and anterior hindbrain are superposed in lateral view, and 5) cerebellar and midbrain compartments are in distinct superposition. The endoneurocranial characteristics ofConchoraptor, taken together, suggest that the animal had a keen sense of vision, balance, and coordination. The data presented in this study do not allow an unambiguous assessment whether the avian-like endoneurocranial characteristics of the flightlessConchoraptor evolved convergently to those of avian theropods, or indicate a derivation of oviraptorosaurs from volant ancestors.

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Acknowledgment

I am grateful to Anthony P. Russell for his edit of the final version of the manuscript, to Gerald Mayr for his valuable editor’s comments, Halszka Osmólska and Teresa Maryańska for their access to the fossil specimen, Jiří Janáček for his assistance with 3D modeling and volumetric analysis, and Zdeněk Seidl and Vladimír Smékal for providing access to CT facility.

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  1. Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, 2109, Australia

    Martin Kundrát

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  1. Martin Kundrát

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Correspondence toMartin Kundrát.

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Communicated by G. Mayr

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Kundrát, M. Avian-like attributes of a virtual brain model of the oviraptorid theropodConchoraptor gracilis .Naturwissenschaften94, 499–504 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00114-007-0219-1

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