Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A February 2003 PMID 12552136

Placental mammal diversification and the Cretaceous-Tertiary boundary.

Mark S Springer, William J Murphy, Eduardo Eizirik, Stephen J O'Brien

Mentions

41
Peak: 22 in Jun 2024
across 5 sources since Aug 2020

Extended reach

2,628,046
potential audience

Total likes

50,546

Video views

2,525,559

Mentions per month

Aug 2020 – Sep 2025

Where it's discussed

  • X / Twitter32 posts
  • News4 articles
  • YouTube2 videos
  • Blogs2 articles
  • Bluesky1 posts

AI synopsis

What people are saying

The overall discussions reflect a strong curiosity about the evolutionary relationships of animals like hyraxes, with many posts highlighting their surprising connections to elephants and sea cows, and using engaging language such as 'fascinating' and 'mystery' to convey enthusiasm. The tone and choice of words suggest that the publication has sparked interest and contributed to ongoing curiosity about mammalian evolution, though the interactions remain somewhat informal and community-based rather than deeply analytical.

AgreementModerate agreement

Most discussions seem to align with the article's findings about early diversification of placental mammals, often expressing fascination or curiosity, indicating general agreement or interest.

InterestHigh interest

The posts show high interest, with many mentioning the animals (hyraxes, rodents) and commenting on their evolutionary relationships, suggesting engagement with the science.

EngagementModerate engagement

The discussions include references to specific animals, evolutionary concepts, and calls to learn more, indicating some depth of engagement beyond surface-level reactions.

ImpactModerate impact

The reflections and sharing of knowledge suggest the discussions could influence viewers to explore evolutionary biology further, but the tone remains casual and community-focused, so impact is moderate.

Abstract in brief

  • The study investigates whether placental mammals diversified mainly before or after the Cretaceous-Tertiary (KT) boundary by using extensive molecular data and advanced analysis methods, supporting the idea that most divergences occurred in the Cretaceous.
  • Findings suggest that key divergences between different bearers of placental mammals happened in the Cretaceous period, with most within-order diversification happening after the KT boundary, aligning better with fossil evidence than previous studies.
  • Additional analyses accounting for body size differences confirmed that the timing of major divergences was not an artifact of size changes after the KT boundary, reinforcing the conclusion that significant placental evolution took place before the mass extinction event.

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
Bizarre Beasts
@BizarreBeasts · X

If you guessed hyrax, you're right! Their closest relatives are elephants and sea cows! Find out how scientists discovered their weird taxonomy in our latest episode. https://t.co/d6IBVp9c5Z https://t.co/h1Zp2UCzXY

Jun 7, 2024 · 22 likes · 6 shares · 2,694 followers View post →
Lelabubu
@NotQuiteLela · X

https://t.co/qqjKGfF4Uk

Jun 23, 2024 · 13 likes · 4,561 followers View post →
Storzbech
@Storzbech · X

https://t.co/DFIWbip9pE Ein sehr interessantes Video über Schliefer

Jun 17, 2024 · 4 likes · 116 followers View post →
GreenSchoolsAlliance
@GreenSchoolsAll · X

This Furry Potato Is An Evolutionary Mystery https://t.co/jhRvvI9qxB #Zoology #Evolution

Jan 14, 2025 · 2 likes · 7,314 followers View post →
Dave
@DaveDrawgo · X

This Furry Potato Is An Evolutionary Mystery ❓ https://t.co/kTfqJ2zZfI via @YouTube

Feb 19, 2025 · 2 likes · 744 followers View post →
ZΞN
@ThisIsMeIn360VR · X

The Hyrax

Jun 17, 2024 · 1 like · 8,344 followers View post →

All mentions

Neuroscience of Expectations and Perception

Today we look at the neuroscience of how expectations shape our experience and perception. This video explores how expectancy influences sensory processing and emotional responses, supported by recent research findings.

What's Therapy? · Aug 22, 2020 1,752 views
Mijike Goldschmiedsgesell
@MijikeG · X

@ashleygoyette_ https://t.co/NIg2c25tTi

Sep 10, 2025 · 5 followers View post →
Dave
@DaveDrawgo · X

This Furry Potato Is An Evolutionary Mystery ❓ https://t.co/kTfqJ2zZfI via @YouTube

Feb 19, 2025 · 2 likes · 744 followers View post →
LongChanChan
@LongChanChan · X

Me ha encantado este vídeo que habla de las awawas https://t.co/XhawUO4dDu

Jan 26, 2025 · 150 followers View post →
GreenSchoolsAlliance
@GreenSchoolsAll · X

This Furry Potato Is An Evolutionary Mystery https://t.co/jhRvvI9qxB #Zoology #Evolution

Jan 14, 2025 · 2 likes · 7,314 followers View post →
Cheryl Lynn Bostrom
@bostrom70261 · X

This Furry Potato is so interesting https://t.co/gL5aTcs3gc via @YouTube

Dec 29, 2024 · 36 followers View post →
David :SetouchiExplorer:
@david.fediverse.setouchi.social · Bluesky

Fascinating. Do you know hyraxes? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ASOyzh27VbY #animals #zoology

Dec 22, 2024 View post →
Mister Bean
@MBean38591 · X

@cumilq I just heard about what happened. I wish I could give you a hug. But a hug from a total rando is probably the last thing you want right now. Instead, here's a furry potato. #Vtuber https://t.co/j8GZIpUCFM

Dec 2, 2024 · 50 followers View post →
Paul H. Kircher III
@PaulKircher7 · X

Nov 24, 2024 · 911 followers View post →
JoJaSciPo
@strangetruther · X

https://t.co/n4oCW8F9va

Nov 5, 2024 · 5,110 followers View post →
Atlus Avalon
@AtlusAvalon · X

https://t.co/1Kdqe5EQ3b

Oct 19, 2024 · 1,507 followers View post →
Riko Siempre, RN
@rikosiempre · X

@InariMin Please learn more about them in this video! They're amazing animals! https://t.co/3MnVvJe9rl

Oct 11, 2024 · 1 like · 793 followers View post →
Ronald Edwin Locke
@realronlockeii · X

This Furry Potato Is An Evolutionary Mystery https://t.co/eh5l7r1A2d via @YouTube

Aug 24, 2024 · 2,284 followers View post →
TheNostalgicGrimm(ElektrikPudding)
@NostalgicGrimm · X

This Furry Potato Is An Evolutionary Mystery https://t.co/cs8x5U7u5w via @YouTube @coaxialcreature

Jun 30, 2024 · 1 like · 837 followers View post →
Brine
@VWVYVWWWVY · X

@mousieBong https://t.co/HWbMhaJg5u

Jun 26, 2024 · 1 like · 256 followers View post →
Lelabubu
@NotQuiteLela · X

https://t.co/qqjKGfF4Uk

Jun 23, 2024 · 13 likes · 4,561 followers View post →
Nell Whiteside
@scividence · X

This Furry Potato Is An Evolutionary Mystery https://t.co/g8RsaEtunZ via @YouTube

Jun 21, 2024 · 557 followers View post →
Curt Howland
@ImpossibleBob · X

"Life... finds a way." https://t.co/2WbJ2K8sgp

Jun 19, 2024 · 2,351 followers View post →
ConradKnauer
@ConradKnauer · X

RT @BizarreBeasts: If you guessed hyrax, you're right! Their closest relatives are elephants and sea cows! Find out how scientists discover…

Jun 18, 2024 · 6 shares · 1,249 followers View post →
ZΞN
@ThisIsMeIn360VR · X

The Hyrax

Jun 17, 2024 · 1 like · 8,344 followers View post →
Storzbech
@Storzbech · X

https://t.co/DFIWbip9pE Ein sehr interessantes Video über Schliefer

Jun 17, 2024 · 4 likes · 116 followers View post →
mrs mucha
@mucha_mrs · X

To be a rodent or not to be a rodent? This Furry Potato Is An Evolutionary Mystery https://t.co/T39DYLNaya via @YouTube

Jun 16, 2024 · 131 followers View post →
Brendan Hoffmann
@BrendanHoffma19 · X

Paenungulata is a remarkable family of animals... (Elephants, Manitees and Hyrax) https://t.co/XpeTxjKhAn

Jun 16, 2024 · 1 like · 499 followers View post →
John Muller
@JhonnyMoonDrop · X

This Furry Potato Is An Evolutionary Mystery https://t.co/0AydTn2Rw9 via @YouTube

Jun 15, 2024 · 221 followers View post →
Sappho (she/her)
@LadySappho · X

This Furry Potato Is An Evolutionary Mystery https://t.co/RcyddtmrgR via @YouTube

Jun 14, 2024 · 971 followers View post →
patrickpoet
@patrickpoet · X

their cute little tongues are adorable https://t.co/BOChEIkdXl

Jun 14, 2024 · 426 followers View post →
Ravick Bitencourt
@Ravick_BlueLion · X

https://t.co/rz6xN8q59f

Jun 10, 2024 · 169 followers View post →
MinuteEarth (also on BlueSky)
@MinuteEarth · X

RT @BizarreBeasts: If you guessed hyrax, you're right! Their closest relatives are elephants and sea cows! Find out how scientists discover…

Jun 8, 2024 · 6 shares · 55,406 followers View post →
Qiilu
@Qiilu1 · X

RT @BizarreBeasts: If you guessed hyrax, you're right! Their closest relatives are elephants and sea cows! Find out how scientists discover…

Jun 7, 2024 · 6 shares · 290 followers View post →
Jes68
@jes68_twit · X

You Can’t Guess This Animal’s Closest Relative https://t.co/yCrWQBhcAe via @YouTube

Jun 7, 2024 · 448 followers View post →
Tater Magoo-ish
@PlantRobinson · X

RT @BizarreBeasts: If you guessed hyrax, you're right! Their closest relatives are elephants and sea cows! Find out how scientists discover…

Jun 7, 2024 · 6 shares · 2,127 followers View post →
Dr. Darcy Shapiro
@darcy_shapiro · X

RT @BizarreBeasts: If you guessed hyrax, you're right! Their closest relatives are elephants and sea cows! Find out how scientists discover…

Jun 7, 2024 · 6 shares · 1,513 followers View post →
Augustus Sean Villanueva
@augustus_sean · X

RT @BizarreBeasts: If you guessed hyrax, you're right! Their closest relatives are elephants and sea cows! Find out how scientists discover…

Jun 7, 2024 · 6 shares · 333 followers View post →
Bizarre Beasts
@BizarreBeasts · X

If you guessed hyrax, you're right! Their closest relatives are elephants and sea cows! Find out how scientists discovered their weird taxonomy in our latest episode. https://t.co/d6IBVp9c5Z https://t.co/h1Zp2UCzXY

Jun 7, 2024 · 22 likes · 6 shares · 2,694 followers View post →