Paleontologists just identified the first fossilized dinosaur brain
(And it wasn't in Trump's head?)
In the ancient swamps of southeast England, a palm-sized clump lay pickling in river sediment for 133 million years. Then a fossil hunter found the stone in 2004.
Scientists have now determined the clump was actually the fossilized brain tissue of a large leaf-eating dinosaur, possibly from a species similar to the Iguanodon.
The specimen is the world's first known example of dinosaur brain tissue, according to a special publication by the Geological Society of London released Thursday.
The dinosaur fossil shows distinct similarities to the brains of modern-day crocodiles and birds, the scientists found.
The discovery may shed light on how the brains of dinosaurs and other ancient creatures evolved over millions of years, an area that has long stumped researchers.
Brain tissue, unlike durable bones and teeth, is often one of the first parts of the body to decay.
The finding could also help other paleontologists to spot more fossilized dinosaur brains, now that they know to look for clues in unassuming clumps of dirt, said Lawrence Witmer, a professor of anatomy at Ohio University's Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, who was not involved with the new research.
Read more at:
http://mashable.com/2016/10/27/fossilized-dinosaur-brain-study/?utm_cid=hp-h-1#UH7XiXb3TiqI
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