Braincase redescription of Efraasia minor Huene, 1908 (Dinosauria: Sauropodomorpha) from the Late Triassic of Germany, with comments on the evolution of the sauropodomorph braincase

摘要: The braincase anatomy of the sauropodomorph dinosaur Efraasia minor (Late Triassic, Norian, Lowenstein Formation Germany) is redescribed in detail, adding new information based on CT scan data. We discuss evolution braincases from a phylogenetic perspective, focusing non-neosauropodan representatives. For this, we revised characters used data matrices focused this assemblage taxa. This led to recognition problems with some characters, especially regarding basal tubera complex, which did not accurately reflect morphological variation observed among taxa within group. also previous misidentifications soft tissues associated presence divided metotic foramen sauropodomorphs. has implications for structures foramina non-sauropodan sauropodomorphs, and propose that path jugular vein was either through posterior resulting division or magnum. Finally, our study demonstrates series differences between sauropod However, it remains unclear if these might be due drastic change they simply small number materials sauropods, indicate more stepwise evolution.