Braincase of Panphagia protos (Dinosauria, Sauropodomorpha)

A partial braincase of the basal sauropodomorph dinosaur Panphagia protos from the mid-Carnian Ischigualasto Formation reveals early evolutionary traits in sauropodomorphs. The disarticulated specimen, including frontal, parietal, prootic, and supraoccipital bones, lacks derived features such as a broad frontal or reduced tympanic/floccular recesses seen in more advanced species. This suggests Panphagia represents an early stage in sauropodomorph evolution, providing insights into the transition from primitive to specialized forms during the Late Triassic.

Martínez, R. N., Haro, J. A., & Apaldetti, C. (2012). Braincase of Panphagia protos (Dinosauria, Sauropodomorpha). Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology, 32(sup1), 70–82. https://doi.org/10.1080/02724634.2013.819009