Unit:
Department of Geology and GeoenvirommentLibrary of the School of Science
Author:
BAXEVANIDOU FREIDERIKI
Supervisors info:
Γεώργιος Λύρας, Ε.ΔΙ.Π, Τμήμα Γεωλογίας και Γεωπεριβάλλοντος, ΕΚΠΑ
Original Title:
Παλαιονευρολογική μελέτη των σαρκοβόρων θηλαστικών του Παλαιογενούς
Translated title:
Paleoneurological study of the Palaeogene carnivores
Summary:
The purpose of this study is the paleoneurological study of the carnivore mammals of Palaeogene and specifically those of orders Carnivora and Creodonta. The endocranial casts from sixteen species from both groups have been compared. The main conclusion of this study is that, values of encephalization quotient of Creodonta are lower than those of their contemporary Carnivora. Furthermore, the values of encephalization quotient were increasing from the older to the newer species of carnivora. Another difference between Credonts and Carnivores is related to the way of expansion of the cerebral cortex. However, the comparison of the expansion of cerebral cortex is difficult due to the different sulcal patterns evolved by the two groups. Nevertheless, taking into consideration the encephalization quotient data of Creodonta, one might suggest, that smaller brain of Creodonta contributed to their extinction.
Main subject category:
Science
Keywords:
palaeontology, vertebrates, palaeogene, mammals, creodonts, carnivora, endocranial casts, fossils, paleoneurological study,, comparisson, encephalization quotient, brain
