Scientists Reconstruct a Dinosaur’s Pea-Sized Brain

A boy looks on at the skull of a dinosaur fossil in Taipei, Taiwan. Photo: Chiang Ying-ying / AP
A boy looks on at the skull of a dinosaur fossil in Taipei, Taiwan. Photo: Chiang Ying-ying / AP
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Scientists Reconstruct a Dinosaur’s Pea-Sized Brain

A boy looks on at the skull of a dinosaur fossil in Taipei, Taiwan. Photo: Chiang Ying-ying / AP
A boy looks on at the skull of a dinosaur fossil in Taipei, Taiwan. Photo: Chiang Ying-ying / AP

The study of the brain of extinct organisms and speies sheds light on their behaviors. However, soft tissues, like the brain, are not usually preserved for long periods. Hence, researchers reconstruct the brains of dinosaurs by analyzing the cranial cavities under computed tomography. It demands well-preserved braincases (the upper back part of the skull), only discovered in 2015. In that year, a Brazilian paleontologist from the Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Dr. Rodrigo Temp Müller unearthed an exceptionally well-preserved skeleton from a fossiliferous locality in southern Brazil.

The skeleton, approximately 233 million years old (Triassic period), belongs to a small carnivorous dinosaur named Buriolestes schultzi. Its well preserved entire braincase helped researchers reconstruct the first complete brain of one of the oldest dinosaurs worldwide- whose size was similar to a hunting dog. The study was published in in the latest issue of the Journal Nature of Anatomy.

According to a report published on the university's website, the brain of Buriolestes schultzi is relatively small and weighs approximately 1.5 grams, which is slightly lighter than a pea. The shape resembles the general morphology of a crocodile brain. In addition, the researchers found well-developed structures in the cerebellum that indicate the capability to track moving prey. Conversely, the olfactory sense was not high; therefore, it is more likely that dinosaur hunted and tracked prey based on optical capability rather than its olfactory sense.

Despite the carnivorous feeding behavior of this dinosaur, it belongs to the lineage of giant, long-necked, herbivorous sauropods, the largest land animals that ever lived. However, Buriolestes schultzi is considered the earliest member of this lineage. So, the new brain reconstruction allows researchers to analyze the brain evolution of this impressive lineage.



Saudi Arabia’s AlUla Launches Eventful ‘Summer Untold’ Program

Enjoying a milder climate with temperatures 5 to 10 degrees Celsius cooler than neighboring cities, AlUla is an ideal destination for both remote work and leisure. (SPA)
Enjoying a milder climate with temperatures 5 to 10 degrees Celsius cooler than neighboring cities, AlUla is an ideal destination for both remote work and leisure. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia’s AlUla Launches Eventful ‘Summer Untold’ Program

Enjoying a milder climate with temperatures 5 to 10 degrees Celsius cooler than neighboring cities, AlUla is an ideal destination for both remote work and leisure. (SPA)
Enjoying a milder climate with temperatures 5 to 10 degrees Celsius cooler than neighboring cities, AlUla is an ideal destination for both remote work and leisure. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia’s AlUla has launched its summer program under the theme “Summer Untold,” offering a rich collection of experiences that blend ancient heritage sites with breathtaking natural landscapes.

Enjoying a milder climate with temperatures 5 to 10 degrees Celsius cooler than neighboring cities, the governorate is an ideal destination for both remote work and leisure.

The program features exclusive hotel packages at AlUla’s luxury resorts nestled in nature, alongside a series of artistic events at the local amphitheater that combine live music performances with AlUla’s stunning surroundings. Guests can also enjoy musical experiences by the pool, set against a backdrop of majestic mountains and golden sands.

Returning this August for its third edition, the AlUla Desert Blaze trail race offers an ideal challenge for adventure seekers, who will race through some of AlUla’s most iconic landmarks amid its spectacular desert terrain.

The program also invites visitors to explore the summer oasis farms and discover the traditional lifestyles of farmers in AlUla’s Old Town.

Furthermore, AlUla Adventure Hub is rolling out an exciting lineup of thrill-seeking activities this summer, beginning in the early morning hours among the region’s striking desert landscapes. Highlights include the AlUla Zipline, the longest and fastest of its kind in the Kingdom, offering breathtaking mountain views, as well as the Giant Swing, the AlUla Stairway, mountain rappelling, the Via Ferrata, the Canyon Hammock, and rock-climbing adventures.