3D Skull of Gorgosaurus

[Troodon]

Witmer Labs requested the ROM's 3D model of the tyrannosaurid dinosaur Gorgosaurus (ROM 1247) for use in the Smithsonian's NMNH new dinosaur hall.  Link attached if your interested in viewing it.

 

https://sketchfab.com/models/bcc4f64edc93403ea006897cbba6da22

 

 

Witmer Labs used it as part of our 2009 study of tyrannosaur braincase, brain, ear, & air sinus evolution: The study looked at the braincase of Gorgosaurus, Trex and the Cleveland Nanotyrannus skull.  Link is attached.  Interesting paper if you have not see it, concluded that the Clevelend Nanotyrannus braincase is  " Perhaps the most remarkable attribute of the braincase of CMNH 7541 is simply how different it is, and not just from T. rex, but also from other tyrannosaurs. As just noted, the entire skull and endocast are unique among tyrannosaurs in being very strongly down-turned. Aspects of the cranial endocast are very unusual, such as the rostrally offset pituitary fossa and orbital cranial nerves."

 

(link: http://bit.ly/2BoKIfx) bit.ly/2BoKIfx

[Fruitbat]

Fascinating stuff!  Gotta love these 3D models!

 

-Joe