Synchrotron Scan of Styracocephalus and Moschops

This is for a project to Synchrotron scan four Moschops capensis and one Styracocephalus platyrhnychus skulls at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) of Grenoble, France, between 31 April 2025 and 3 May 2025. We propose to use SRµCT to describe and study the cranial bone histology, brain, nerves and inner ear of Moschops and Styracocephalus. Improved knowledge of the adaptations of the nervous system and cranial structure to withstand those fights will provide insight into the diversity of gregarious behaviour in early mammalian ancestors. The data collected will form the basis of several scientific papers as well as provide data for a PhD student at the University of the Witwatersrand, Tristen Lafferty. The specimens will be hand-carried by Julien Benoit, Claire Browning and Tristen Lafferty. The project is non-destructive.