Proc Biol Sci January 2003 PMID 12590756

The Permian mammal-like herbivore Diictodon, the oldest known example of sexually dimorphic armament.

Corwin Sullivan, Robert R Reisz, Roger M H Smith

Mentions

4
Peak: 2 in Sep 2022
across 2 sources since Nov 2021

Extended reach

172,556
potential audience

Total likes

5,631

Video views

171,591

Mentions per month

Nov 2021 – Apr 2023

Where it's discussed

  • X / Twitter2 posts
  • YouTube2 videos

AI synopsis

What people are saying

The discussions demonstrate a moderate level of interest and engagement, with comments referencing the links between tusk presence, cranial features, and sex differences, showing curiosity about the social and evolutionary implications of the research. The tone is analytical but not overly enthusiastic, reflecting a balanced appreciation of the study’s significance.

AgreementModerate agreement

Several discussions support the significance of Diictodon’s sexual dimorphism, especially in the context of evolutionary history, showing moderate agreement on its importance.

InterestModerate interest

The topic is acknowledged as fascinating, with comments highlighting curiosity about ancient behaviors and biological features.

EngagementModerate engagement

Discussions include references to related debates and further exploration of the features, which indicates some depth and active engagement.

ImpactNeutral impact

While the findings are seen as interesting, many acknowledge their importance but do not see immediate, widespread impact beyond academic circles.

Abstract in brief

  • Diictodon, an ancient Permian herbivorous dicynodont, is notable for being the earliest known example of sexual dimorphism in armaments, mainly through the presence or absence of tusks.
  • The study of Diictodon's anatomy and distribution shows that tusk presence is linked to other features like cranial bosses and possibly larger skull size, indicating differences between sexes.
  • This evidence suggests that sexual dimorphism and related social behaviors have been a part of synapsid evolution for a very long time, dating back to the Palaeozoic era.

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
Hady George
@HoudzGeorge · X

@TwitiGalli Also relevant are possibly sexually dimorphic and/or display features on the heads. In life such features might have been colourful and exaggerated. A review of sexual dimorphism in dicynodonts is in: https://t.co/b2qnYURDr5 Sexual dimorphism in diictodon: https://t.co/aeAQputXHJ

Apr 10, 2023 · 1 like · 953 followers View post →
JPT_JTEC
@JtecJpt · X

The Oldest Known Venomous Land Predator? https://t.co/XKx33x3ia2 via @YouTube

Sep 21, 2022 · 12 followers View post →

All mentions

Hady George
@HoudzGeorge · X

@TwitiGalli Also relevant are possibly sexually dimorphic and/or display features on the heads. In life such features might have been colourful and exaggerated. A review of sexual dimorphism in dicynodonts is in: https://t.co/b2qnYURDr5 Sexual dimorphism in diictodon: https://t.co/aeAQputXHJ

Apr 10, 2023 · 1 like · 953 followers View post →
JPT_JTEC
@JtecJpt · X

The Oldest Known Venomous Land Predator? https://t.co/XKx33x3ia2 via @YouTube

Sep 21, 2022 · 12 followers View post →