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2026-06
Volume 12, issue 02
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ISSN: 2274-0422

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Welcome

MorphoMuseuM, also referred to as M3, is a peer reviewed, online data journal that publishes 3D models of vertebrates, including models of type specimens, anatomy atlases, reconstruction of deformed or damaged specimens, and 3D datasets (see https://doi.org/10.1017/scs.2017.14 for details).
M3 comes along with a free software, MorphoDig, which contains a set of tools for editing, positioning, deforming, labelling, measuring and rendering sets of 3D surfaces.
All 3D data presented on this website are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0. International License. License Creative Commons


Datasets in press

3D models related to the publication: New Cretaceous dinosaur track sites from the Jiaguan Formation, Sichuan Province, China: ichnotaxonomy and preservation
Lida Xing Logo, Jens N. Lallensack Logo, Junhong Mou, Lin Liu Logo, Shan Jiang, Qi Qi Logo, Anthony Romilio Logo, Yong Ye, Xin Shen and Ting Xu
Published online: 08/10/2026

Keywords: Dinosaur tracks; Jiaguan Formation; Photogrammetry

https://doi.org/10.18563/journal.m3.317

  Abstract

    The present 3D dataset contains the 3D models analyzed in Xing et al. (in press), Newly discovered Cretaceous dinosaur track sites from the Jiaguan Formation, Sichuan Province, China: ichnotaxonomy and preservation. The dataset includes photogrammetric 3D models of the specimens shown in Figures 6–9 and 16–17 of the original article. These correspond to track-bearing slabs and selected footprints from the Hongyangoukou and Jinyuxi tracksites and the Shimiaogou 2025 tracksite in the Gulin area, Sichuan Province, China. The Hongyangoukou material comprises three reddish-brown siltstone slabs preserving at least 61 theropod tracks, including nine trackways (HYGK-T1 to HYGK-T9) and isolated footprints (HYGK-TI1 onward). The Jinyuxi material comprises one isolated theropod natural cast (JYX-TI5) assigned to cf. Eubrontes, associated with microbially induced sedimentary structures (MISS). The Shimiaogou 2025 material comprises two slabs preserving at least 25 dinosaur footprints, including ornithopod trackways SMG25-O1 and SMG25-O2, theropod trackway SMG25-T1, and isolated footprints; all occur as natural positive reliefs. The 3D surface models are provided in PLY format. 

  Specimens

    Eubrontes isp. HYGK Slab 1 View specimen

    M3#1982

    All footprints in Fig. 6 are tridactyl theropod footprints assigned to Morphotype I and tentatively identified as Eubrontes-like. Fig. 6 (Hongyangoukou Slab 1) preserves at least 31 footprints, comprising seven trackways (HYGK-T1–T7) and 15 isolated footprints (HYGK-TI1–TI15). They are preserved as natural molds in reddish-brown siltstone and are heavily weathered, but they generally retain distinct tridactyl outlines and U- or V-shaped metatarsophalangeal regions. Claw impressions are present in some specimens (e.g., T3, T7-L1, and TI9), whereas digital pad impressions are absent. Footprint length ranges from 10.8 to 20.9 cm (mean ≈16.0 cm); the length-to-width ratio ranges from 1.1 to 1.7 (mean ≈1.4); mesaxony is weak (mean ≈0.47); and the divarication angle between digits II and IV ranges from 41° to 73° (mean ≈60°). The stride lengths of T1, T3, T4, and T6 are 144.5, 104.8, 122.3, and 64.5 cm, respectively, corresponding to 9.7, 5.6, 9.4, and 3.3 times their respective mean footprint lengths. T1 and T5 show outward rotations of about 4° and 9°, respectively. T3 is among the best-preserved examples, with digit III the longest and stoutest, digit IV the shortest, and clear claw impressions present on digits II and III, whereas TI10 is a complete tridactyl track. These footprints are therefore small theropod tracks of Morphotype I, tentatively assigned to Eubrontes-like.

    Type: "3D_surfaces"

    doi: 10.18563/m3.sf.1982   state:in_press




    Download 3D surface file

    Eubrontes isp. HYGK Slab 2 View specimen

    M3#1983

    All footprints in Fig. 7 (Hongyangoukou Slab 2) are tridactyl theropod footprints assigned to Morphotype II and tentatively identified as Eubrontes-like. Slab 2 preserves at least 28 footprints, including two trackways (HYGK-T8 and HYGK-T9) and 18 isolated footprints (HYGK-TI16–TI33). Preservation is poorer than on Slab 1: impressions are shallower and more rounded overall; in T9 and in some isolated footprints (e.g., TI17, TI18, TI20, TI23, TI24, and TI26), discrete digit impressions are not recognizable and instead appear as oval depressions, whereas the remaining footprints show three discernible digit impressions. No digital pad impressions were observed; the metatarsophalangeal region is U-shaped, and relatively clear claw impressions are preserved in some tracks, such as T8-R1, TI18, and TI31. Footprint length ranges from 11.2 to 21.6 cm (mean 15.1 cm); the length-to-width ratio ranges from 0.9 to 1.7 (mean 1.4); mesaxony is weak (mean 0.45); and the divarication angle between digits II and IV ranges from 46° to 62° (mean 54°). The stride lengths of T8 and T9 are 60 cm and 116 cm, corresponding to approximately 4 and 7.7 times the average footprint length, respectively; the pace angulation of T9 is 166°. TI31 is relatively well preserved and markedly symmetrical, with digit III being the stoutest and longest, and with a distinct, sharp claw impression.

    Type: "3D_surfaces"

    doi: 10.18563/m3.sf.1983   state:in_press




    Download 3D surface file

    Eubrontes isp. HYGK Slab 3 View specimen

    M3#1984

    All footprints in Fig. 8 (Hongyangoukou Slab 3) are tridactyl theropod footprints assigned to Morphotype I and tentatively identified as Eubrontes-like. Slab 3 preserves at least seven isolated footprints (HYGK-TI34–TI40) and no trackways; these footprints have relatively distinct tridactyl outlines and U- or V-shaped metatarsophalangeal regions, with some specimens (e.g., TI37 and TI38) preserving claw impressions but lacking digital pad impressions. The divarication angle between digits II and IV on Slab 3 ranges from 53° to 57° (mean 56°). As members of Morphotype I, they fall within the morphotype ranges for footprint length (10.8–20.9 cm; mean 16.0 cm), length-to-width ratio (1.1–1.7; mean 1.4), and mesaxony (weak; mean 0.47).

    Type: "3D_surfaces"

    doi: 10.18563/m3.sf.1984   state:in_press




    Download 3D surface file

    Eubrontes isp. JYX-TI5 View specimen

    M3#1985

    JYX-TI5 is tentatively assigned to cf. Eubrontes. It is preserved as a natural cast on dark red quartz sandstone, with a preservation grade of 0.5–1.5. It shows largely complete digit impressions and a metatarsophalangeal region, as well as some claw impressions, but no digital pad impressions. The footprint has three distinct digit impressions, a relatively distinct U-shaped metatarsophalangeal region, a separation between the proximal region of digit III and the metatarsophalangeal region, and relatively clear claw impressions; its surface bears irregular linear ridges that likely represent microbially induced sedimentary structures (MISS). JYX-TI5 is 22.1 cm long, with a length-to-width ratio of 1.5, weak mesaxony (0.45), and a divarication angle between digits II and IV of 50°; the interdigital angle between digits II and III is slightly larger than that between digits III and IV.

    Type: "3D_surfaces"

    doi: 10.18563/m3.sf.1985   state:in_press




    Download 3D surface file

    Grallator isp. SMG25 Slab 1 View specimen

    M3#1986

    Fig. 16 includes ornithopod footprints assigned to Caririchnium isp. and theropod footprints tentatively assigned to cf. Grallator. The ornithopod tracks are natural casts, clearest on Slab 1, and show a distinct quadripartite structure. Preservation grade is 1–2; footprint length is 23.5–31.2 cm (mean 27.3 cm), and length-to-width ratio is 1.2–1.5 (mean 1.4). They are highly symmetrical, with three clear rounded digit impressions and a sub-circular metatarsophalangeal region separated by a depression; claw impressions are absent, mesaxony is weak (0.24–0.38; mean 0.30), and the mean divarication angle between digits II and IV is 49°. The potential trackway SMG25-O2 has a pace length about 2.7 times the footprint length, a pace angulation of 111°, and inward rotation of about 15°. The theropod tracks are mostly isolated, with only one potential trackway, SMG25-T1, on Slab 1. Preservation grade is 1–2; footprints are small (8.5–20.4 cm) and generally slender, mostly complete tridactyl impressions with digit III longest and digit II shortest, V-shaped metatarsophalangeal regions, and faint claw impressions or digital pads in some tracks. SMG25-T1 comprises two footprints (mean length 19.9 cm, length-to-width ratio 1.9, mesaxony 0.54, mean divarication angle between digits II and IV 41°). Isolated footprint TI9 is the best preserved (length 9.8 cm, length-to-width ratio 2.1, mesaxony 0.72, divarication angle between digits II and IV 38°), with the metatarsophalangeal pad of digit IV aligned along the axis of digit III.

    Type: "3D_surfaces"

    doi: 10.18563/m3.sf.1986   state:in_press




    Download 3D surface file

    Grallator isp. SMG25 Slab 2 View specimen

    M3#1987

    cf. Grallator is the dominant ichnotaxon in Fig. 17, which preserves 12 isolated cf. Grallator footprints, all preserved as natural positive reliefs with preservation grade 1–2. These small theropod tracks are 8.5–20.4 cm long and generally slender, and are mostly complete tridactyl impressions with digit III longest and digit II shortest, V-shaped metatarsophalangeal regions, and faint claw impressions or digital pads in some specimens.

    Type: "3D_surfaces"

    doi: 10.18563/m3.sf.1987   state:in_press




    Download 3D surface file


 
  M3 article infos

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3D model related to the publication: Earliest-diverging rhynchocephalian from Gondwana: a new sphenodontian from the Upper Triassic Los Colorados Formation (northwestern Argentina).
Leandro C. Gaetano Logo, Juan C. Sotomayor Chacón Logo, María R. Arcaria Logo, Nahuel Vega, Juan M. Leardi Logo, Federico D. Seoane and Alejandro Otero
Published online: 31/08/2026

Keywords: anatomy; Gondwana; Late Triassic; Norian; Sphenodontia

https://doi.org/10.18563/journal.m3.290

  Abstract

    This contribution contains the 3D dataset analyzed in L. C. Gaetano, J. C. Sotomayor Chacón, M. R. Arcaria, N. Vega, J. M. Leardi, F. D. Seoane, and A. Otero. submitted. Earliest-diverging rhynchocephalian from Gondwana: a new sphenodontian from the Upper Triassic Los Colorados Formation (northwestern Argentina). Scientific Reports. 

  Specimens
 
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3D models related to the publication : Nouvelles données géologiques et biostratigraphiques du gisement paléontologique à vertébrés de Mauvières, à Marcilly-sur-Maulne (Miocène Inférieur et Moyen ; Indre-et-Loire, France)
Alexandre Robert-Duarte Logo, Cyril Gagnaison Logo, Bastien Mennecart Logo, Réjanne Le Bivic Logo and Maxime Denis Logo
Published online: 31/08/2026

Keywords: Lower jaw; lower jaw; Lower Miocene; mammals; tooth.; turtle

https://doi.org/10.18563/journal.m3.311

  Abstract

    The present 3D Dataset contains 3D models (1 turtle and 7 mammals) from the french Lower Miocene described in: Gagnaison C., Mennecart B., Bailleul J., Barrier P., Chenot É., Toullec R., Potel S., Martin H., Millet A. & Memeteau D. 2023. — Nouvelles données géologiques et biostratigraphiques du gisement paléontologique à vertébrés de Mau­vières, à Marcilly-sur-Maulne (Miocène inférieur et moyen ; Indre-et-Loire, France). Geodiversitas 45 (16): 449-478. https://doi.org/10.5252/geodiversitas2023v45a16.  

  Specimens
 
  See original publication
  M3 article infos

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3D models related to the publication: Triassic turtles of France: the first European Rhaetian stem turtle taxon (clades Testudinata, Proterochersidae)
Tomasz Szczygielski Logo, Fanny Celestin, Sylvain Adnet Logo and Guillaume Guinot Logo
Published online: 20/08/2026

Keywords: North Pangaea; Proterochersidae; Rhaetian; Testudinata; Triassic

https://doi.org/10.18563/journal.m3.301

  Abstract

    The present 3D Dataset contains the 3D models produced for the paper "Szczygielski, T., Celestin, F., Adnet, S., Guinot, G., 2026. Triassic turtles of France: the first European Rhaetian stem turtle taxon (clades Testudinata, Proterochersidae). Swiss Journal of Palaeontology". The digitized material consists of shell and appendicular skeleton fragments of the first diagnostic stem turtle from the European Rhaetian and showcases a number of autapomorphic characters. 

  Specimens
 
  See original publication
  M3 article infos

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3D models related to the publication: New records of platyrrhine primates (Atelidae and Cebidae) from the Miocene of Western Amazonia, State of Acre, Brazil
Laurent Marivaux Logo, Francisco R. Negri Logo and Ana M. Ribeiro Logo
Published online: 03/08/2026

Keywords: Brazilian Amazonia; Neogene; Paleobiogeography; Platyrrhini

https://doi.org/10.18563/journal.m3.293

  Abstract

    This contribution contains the three-dimensional digital models of fossil remains of platyrrhine primates from the late Middle to early Late Miocene (Upper Solimões Formation) of the State of Acre, Brazil (Western Amazonia). These fossils were described, figured and discussed in the following publication: Marivaux et al. (2026), New records of platyrrhine primates (Atelidae and Cebidae) from the Miocene of Western Amazonia, State of Acre, Brazil. Journal of Mammalian Evolution https://doi.org/10.1007/s10914-026-09829-z
      

  Specimens
 
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3D models related to the publication: A comprehensive evolutionary history of Peradectidae (Mammalia: Metatheria) revealed by a new dental morphology-based phylogenetic framework, with insights from late early Eocene French specimens
Killian Gernelle Logo, Sandrine Ladevèze Logo and Rodolphe Tabuce Logo
Published online: 16/07/2026

Keywords: Cenozoic; Laurasia; opossum-like; phylogeny; tribosphenic teeth

https://doi.org/10.18563/journal.m3.296

  Abstract

    This contribution contains three-dimensional models of the holotypes of Europeradectes marivauxi Gernelle, 2026, and E. williamsoni Gernelle, 2026, as well as other fossil material referred to these species from their type locality, Prémontré (Paris Basin; late early Eocene, 50.4-50.3 Ma). These specimens, among the youngest known for Europeradectes Gernelle, 2026, were analyzed and discussed in: Gernelle et al. (2026), A comprehensive evolutionary history of Peradectidae (Mammalia: Metatheria) revealed by a new dental morphology-based phylogenetic framework, with insights from late early Eocene French specimens. 

  Specimens
 
  See original publication
  M3 article infos

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3D models related to the publication: A 3D atlas of the trigeminal nerve and its relevance for comparative studies of the masticatory apparatus in rodents.
Lionel Hautier Logo, Marcos A. Alves Logo, Léa Da Cunha Logo and Benoit Moison Logo
Published online: 15/07/2026

Keywords: comparative anatomy; Comparative anatomy; masticatory muscles; rodents; trigeminal nerve

https://doi.org/10.18563/journal.m3.307

  Abstract

    This contribution contains the 3D models described and figured in the following publication: Hautier L, Da Cunha L, Alves Filho M, Moison B, Besson L, Fabre P-H. 20XX. A 3D atlas of the trigeminal nerve and its relevance for comparative studies of the masticatory apparatus in rodents. Journal of Anatomy
      

  Specimens
 
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  M3 article infos

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3D models related to the publication: Tooth Function of the Northern Raccoon (Procyon lotor) and Adaptations to Omnivory in the Order Carnivora
Sophie Koomen Logo, Andreas Lang and Thomas Martin
Published online: 07/07/2026

Keywords:

https://doi.org/10.18563/journal.m3.286

  Abstract

    The present dataset contains the 3D models of the cheek teeth of eight raccoons analyzed in Koomen, S. E., Lang, A. J. & Martin, T. (2026). Tooth Function of the Northern Raccoon (Procyon lotor) and Adaptations to Omnivory in the Order Carnivora. Journal of Morphology.   

  Specimens
 
  See original publication
  M3 article infos

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Current Issue

  3D datasets
3D models related to the publication: Brain drain: exceptional pattern of calvarial venation in pangolins and its phylogenetic significance for Ferae
Guillaume Billet Logo, Lionel Hautier Logo and Philippe Gaubert Logo
Published online: 26/03/2026

Keywords: Carnivora; cranium; Diploic veins; Pholidota; Placentalia

https://doi.org/10.18563/journal.m3.288

  Abstract

    The present 3D Dataset contains a selection of 3D models analyzed in Billet G, Hautier L, Gaudin TJ, Flynn JJ, Ruf I, Carrillo JD, Ladevèze S, Lehmann T, Nicolas V, Orliac MJ, Tornero C, Wible JR, Wong N, Gaubert P. Submitted. Brain drain: Exceptional pattern of calvarial venation in pangolins and its phylogenetic significance for Ferae. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society. 

  Specimens
 
  See original publication
  M3 article infos

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3D models related to the publication: Hidden diversity of Palaeogene metatherians: a new family of polydolopimorphian marsupials from Peruvian Amazonia
Narla Stutz Logo, Ana M. Ribeiro Logo, Anne-Lise Charruault Logo, Myriam Boivin Logo, François Pujos Logo, Rodolfo Salas-Gismondi Logo, Laurent Marivaux Logo and Pierre-Olivier Antoine Logo
Published online: 17/04/2026

Keywords: body mass; Cenozoic; low latitudes; miniaturisation; phylogeny

https://doi.org/10.18563/journal.m3.295

  Abstract

    This contribution contains the 3D digital models of some fossil specimens of Wamradolops telloi Stutz and Pozodolops manuelorum Stutz (Metatheria: Polydolopimorphia), from several Palaeogene locations of Peruvian Amazonia. These taxa were described and analyzed in detail in the following publication: Stutz et al. (2026), Hidden diversity of Palaeogene metatherians: a new family of polydolopimorphian marsupials from Peruvian Amazonia. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society. https://doi.org/10.1093/zoolinnean/zlag006.
      

  Specimens
 
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  M3 article infos

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3D models related to the publication: Reexamining the evolutionary history of the mammalian medial pterygoid muscle
Julia A. Schultz Logo, Lucas N. Weaver Logo, Kai R. K. Jäger Logo and David M. Grossnickle Logo
Published online: 05/05/2026

Keywords: Cladotheria; Docodonta; Eutriconodonta; Mammalia; Postdentary bones

https://doi.org/10.18563/journal.m3.298

  Abstract

    The present dataset contains 3D models used for illustration purposes in Schultz, J. A., Weaver, L. N., Jäger, K. R. K. & Grossnickle, D. M., 2026. Reexamining the evolutionary history of the mammalian medial pterygoid muscle. Evolution. The dataset includes 3D models based on micro-computed tomography (µCT) data of the postdentary area of the morganucodontan Morganucodon, the docodontan Docodon, the eutriconodontan Priacodon and the cladotherian Dryolestes. In addition, the dataset includes manually reconstructed schematic 3D models of the middle ear bones for the morganucodontan Morganucodon, the docodontan Docodon, the eutriconodontan Priacodon and schematic middle ear bones and a virtually rendered juvenile lower jaw of a juvenile monotreme Ornithorhynchus (based on illustrations of Zeller [1989]). 

  Specimens
 
  M3 article infos

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3D models related to the publication: Fruits of Anacardiaceae from the Early Oligocene of Baraval Quercy locality, southwestern France
Muratcan Ersoy, Yiyun Chen, Anaïs Boura Logo, Fabiani Herrera Logo, Steven Manchester Logo, Maëva J. Orliac Logo, Renaud Lebrun Logo and Cédric Del Rio Logo
Published online: 13/05/2026

Keywords: Baravalosphaera; Choerospondias; Fruit; Oligocene; Palaeochoerospondias

https://doi.org/10.18563/journal.m3.299

  Abstract

    The present 3D Dataset contains the 3D models of two endocarps from the Oligocene of Baraval Quercy locality. These endocarps document new fossil genera within the Anacardiaceae family and illustrate the morphological diversity of this family during the Palaeogene. The CT-scan data were processed with ImageJ and Mimics Innovation Suite version 1.13 to reconstruct the specimens. Here we provide .stl files easy to read with the software Meshlab. 

  Specimens
 
  See original publication
  M3 article infos

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3D models related to the publication: Vitaceae seed and wood fossils from the Eocene–Oligocene phosphatic fissure fillings of Quercy, southwestern France
Yiyun Chen, Anaïs Boura Logo, Maëva J. Orliac Logo, Renaud Lebrun Logo and Cédric Del Rio Logo
Published online: 10/06/2026

Keywords: Eocene; Oligocene; Seed; Vitis

https://doi.org/10.18563/journal.m3.306

  Abstract

    The present 3D dataset contains the 3D models of two fossil seeds of Vitaceae from the Quercy fossiliferous area, southwestern France. One seed comes from the Eocene locality of Fontoffre 2, and the other from the Oligocene locality of Baraval. These seeds document new fossil species within the Vitaceae family and illustrate the morphological diversity of this family during the Palaeogene. The CT scan data were processed with ImageJ and Mimics Innovation Suite version 1.13 to reconstruct the specimens. Here we provide .stl files that can be easily opened with the software MeshLab. 

  Specimens
 
  See original publication
  M3 article infos

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3D models related to the publication: Neurovascular system and dental renewal in the rostrum of Spinosauridae: new descriptions and implications on non-olfactive snout sensitivity of dinosaurs 
Frederic Pittet Logo and Florent Goussard Logo
Published online: 24/06/2026

Keywords: dental renewal; neurovascular; rostrum; sensitivity; Spinosauridae

https://doi.org/10.18563/journal.m3.272

  Abstract

    The present 3D Dataset contains the 3D models of three specimens of Spinosauridae: two Cristatusaurus lapparenti Taquet & Russell, 1998 (MNHN.F.GDF365 and MNHN.F.GDF366) and one Spinosaurus maroccanus Russell, 1996 (MNHN.F.SAM124). These specimens are analyzed and discussed in Pittet F. 2026. Neurovascular system and dental renewal in the rostrum of Spinosauridae: new descriptions and implications on non-olfactive snout sensitivity of dinosaurs, Geodiversitas. 

  Specimens
 
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  M3 article infos

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3D models related to the publication: Novel information on the braincase of Megaraptor namunhuaiquii (Dinosauria: Theropoda) using X-ray tomography: pneumaticity, paleoneurology and their paleobiological implications
Ariana Paulina-Carabajal Logo and Juan D. Porfiri Logo
Published online: 29/06/2026

Keywords: Dinosaur hearing; hunting habits; Megaraptoridae; neuroanatomy; Sense Biology

https://doi.org/10.18563/journal.m3.291

  Abstract

    The present 3D Dataset contains the 3D models analyzed in the following publication: Paulina-Carabajal, A., and Porfiri, J.D. 2026. Novel information on the braincase of Megaraptor namunhuaiquii (Dinosauria: Theropoda) using X-ray tomography: pneumaticity, paleoneurology and their paleobiological implications. Ameghiniana 63(1), 16-32
      

  Specimens
 
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  M3 article infos

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MorphoDig last news

MorphoDig 1.6.7

New feature in MorphoDig 1.6.7 ( https://morphomuseum.com/downloadMorphodig ):

  • Scalar values (median, mean etc.) can now be extracted along an axis of interest (for instance to extract thickness profiles along a relevant axis)