Abstract
Although the brains of the three extant lungfish genera have been previously described, the spatial relationship between the brain and the neurocranium has never before been fully described nor quantified. Through the application of virtual microtomography (μCT) and 3D rendering software, we describe aspects of the gross anatomy of the brain and labyrinth region in the Australian lungfish, Neoceratodus forsteri and compare this to previous accounts. Unexpected characters in this specimen include short olfactory peduncles connecting the olfactory bulbs to the telencephalon, and an oblong telencephalon. Furthermore, we illustrate the endocast (the mould of the internal space of the neurocranial cavity) of Neoceratodus, also describing and quantifying the brain-endocast relationship in a lungfish for the first time. Overall, the brain of the Australian lungfish closely matches the size and shape of the endocast cavity housing it, filling more than four fifths of the total volume. The forebrain and labyrinth regions of the brain correspond very well to the endocast morphology, while the midbrain and hindbrain do not fit so closely. Our results cast light on the gross neural and endocast anatomy in lungfishes, and are likely to have particular significance for palaeoneurologists studying fossil taxa.
Highlights
Since the early nineteenth century, lungfishes, or dipnoans as they are known, have captivated researchers
It broadly agrees with previous depictions of the Australian lungfish brain in the literature, but, even allowing for intraspecific differences between individuals such as differing lengths of the forebrain [20], there remain a number of noticeable differences in the gross morphology of Australian National University (ANU) 73578 compared to accounts in the literature
Features of note in this specimen of Australian lungfish, Neoceratodus forsteri, include olfactory bulbs connected to the telencephalon via only very short olfactory peduncles, and a more oblong telencephalon than previously depicted in the literature
Summary
Since the early nineteenth century, lungfishes, or dipnoans as they are known, have captivated researchers. [1] even before any of the extant taxa were discovered and described [2,3,4]. Today there are just six species in three genera remaining in the crown group, their peak in diversity was undoubtedly during the Devonian (359–420 million years ago), with the number of species described from this period approaching 100 [5, 6]. Brain – Endocast Relationship in the Australian Lungfish
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
