The brain of Buriolestes schultzi is relatively small, weighing approximately 1.5 grams. It's a little lighter than a pea. Brain shape
Despite the predatory behavior of this dinosaur whenlooking for prey, it belongs to the genus of giant long-necked herbivorous sauropods, the largest land animals that have ever lived. Buriolestes schultzi is considered the earliest member of this line. Brain reconstruction allows researchers to analyze the evolution of the brains of ancient species.
Credit: Marcio L. Castro
One of the most notable trends is increasingthe number of olfactory bulbs. These structures responsible for smell are relatively small in Buriolestes schultzi, over time they become very large in later sauropods and closely related forms. High olfactory abilities play an important role in finding food, helping animals to better distinguish between digestible and non-digestible plants. Also, the enhancement of the olfactory sense of sauropods is based on an evolutionary need. Namely, using the sense of smell to detect chemical signals from predators.
Credit: Marcio L. Castro and Rodrigo Temp Muller.
Scientists have also calculated cognitive abilitiesor Buriolestes schultzi intelligence based on brain volume and body weight. The values obtained are higher than those of giant sauropods such as diplodocus and brachiosaurus, which indicates a decrease in encephalization in this line. The cognitive abilities of Buriolestes schultzi are lower than those of theropod dinosaurs, a lineage that includes tyrannosaurs, velociraptors and birds.
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