Re-description of the braincase of the rebbachisaurid sauropod Limaysaurus tessonei and novel endocranial information based on CT scans

CT scans of the type braincase Limaysaurus tessonei (MUCPv-205) allowed first study endocranial cavities (brain and inner ear) for this South American taxon. Comparisons cranial endocast L. with other sauropods indicate that 1) rebbachisaurids are more similar to each than Nigersaurus, 2) certain association traits present in all known rebbachisaurid endocasts, such as lack an enlarged dorsal expansion, poorly laterally projected cerebral hemispheres, presence a small flocculus cerebellum, markedly long passage facial nerve (CN VII), inclined pituitary, basilar artery communicating floor cavity pituitary fossa. The relatively olfactory region indicates smell was important sense group dinosaurs, suggesting different capabilities when compared coeval titanosaurs.