Researchers used CT scans and imaging software to study the brain cavities of pterosaur fossils. The work appears in Current Biology and was funded in part by the National Science Foundation. Scientists focused on brain regions linked to vision, especially the optic lobe.
They compared pterosaur brains with those of close relatives, including a flightless tree-dwelling relative from the Triassic period. That relative already showed vision-related features, and pterosaurs also had enlarged optic lobes. But the overall brain shape and size differed. The team suggests flying pterosaurs acquired flight quickly at their origin. The study also notes that pterosaurs are one of three groups that evolved self-powered flight, along with birds and bats.
Difficult words
- cavity — a space or hole inside somethingbrain cavities
- fossil — the remains of an old animal or plantpterosaur fossils
- optic lobe — part of the brain for sightoptic lobes
- enlarge — to become bigger or make biggerenlarged
- flightless — not able to fly or to glide
- origin — the point where something begins
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you think good vision is important for flying animals? Why?
- Would you like to study fossils like pterosaurs? Why or why not?
- Do you think new abilities in animals can appear quickly? Explain briefly.
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