The End-Triassic Extinction saw the disappearance of ~76% of Earth’s terrestrial and marine species. Sauropodomorph dinosaurs appeared unaffected by the event and remained the dominant herbivorous organisms in most terrestrial ecosystems. Several factors play a role in a species’ ability to thrive in post-extinction periods when reproductive pressure is increased. These include faster incubation periods, developmental plasticity, eggshell structure, and rapid growth rates. The study of reproductive biology in dinosaurs is hindered by the lack of ontogenetic series of species, especially embryonic material. The Jurassic early branching sauropodomorph Massospondylus carinatus is the most abundant dinosaur from southern Africa with hundreds of specimens having been referred to the taxon since its initial description in 1854. These fossils range in size from
embryo to adult making it an ideal study system for looking at dinosaur life histories. Using a multidisciplinary approach including micro-computed tomography (CT) scanning, synchrotron radiation CT scanning, digital retrodeformation, geometric morphometrics and osteohistology, we re-assessed longstanding hypotheses regarding the identity and growth strategies of Massospondylus carinatus and their implications in the macroevolution of dinosaurs. This approach has allowed us to reveal previously unknown aspects of Massospondylus carinatus’ ontogeny, including the development of its inner ear, the changes in its skull shape during growth, its locomotory posture, its growth strategies, and the investigation of its embryonic anatomy. 

Lunch will be served at 11:45 am in the Guyot Great Hall for those attending.