Proc Biol Sci March 2005 PMID 15817436

Bite club: comparative bite force in big biting mammals and the prediction of predatory behaviour in fossil taxa.

Stephen Wroe, Colin McHenry, Jeffrey Thomason

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Mentions

88
Peak: 35 in Apr 2021
across 6 sources since Mar 2019

Extended reach

2,267,840
potential audience

Total likes

22,264

Video views

853,397

Mentions per month

Mar 2019 – Aug 2025

Where it's discussed

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AI synopsis

What people are saying

The overall discussion reflects high interest and moderate agreement, with numerous mentions of the significance of fossil evidence, such as the clarification that dire wolves were real and distinct from modern wolves, and references to scientific studies. The tone varies from factual and educational to enthusiastic, demonstrating both curiosity and respect for the scientific research and its broader implications.

AgreementModerate agreement

Many discussions support the validity of the study and its findings, especially with references to reputable research and popular scientific discussions about predatory behavior and fossil animals.

InterestHigh interest

The topic appears highly engaging, with multiple posts expressing excitement about new discoveries, discussions about extinct species, and debates around methodology and relevance.

EngagementModerate engagement

Participants actively analyze details, reference scientific papers, and correct misconceptions, indicating a moderate level of deep engagement with the subject matter.

ImpactModerate impact

The widespread sharing of discoveries about dire wolves and the importance of the study suggests a meaningful influence on public understanding of paleontology and animal biomechanics.

Abstract in brief

  • The study predicts bite force (BS) in both living and fossil mammals, using a bite force quotient (BFQ) that accounts for body size, revealing that marsupials generally have higher BS relative to their size than placentals.
  • Extinct predators like the marsupial lion and dire wolf showed high BFQ values, implying they likely preyed on large animals, while animals like Smilodon and Thylacosmilus had lower BFQ, suggesting different hunting methods.
  • High BFQ in modern predators correlates with large prey size and hypercarnivory, but anatomical differences in fossils mean that bite force estimates should be combined with other morphological evidence to accurately infer their predatory behaviors.]

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
Atila Iamarino - atila.bsky.social
@oatila · X

Para alguns bichos talvez servisse pra perfuração, pra outros talvez asfixia mordendo o pescoço. Vários grupos já tiveram dentes assim: https://t.co/bPpFMK1Zxp https://t.co/CLtJCeDsJn

Feb 28, 2020 · 62 likes · 1 share · 1,159,836 followers View post →
SciShow
@SciShow · X

Dire wolves aren’t just mythical creatures from fantasy novels like Game of Thrones, they actually existed! They are, however, not wolves. https://t.co/pfPSscaLZJ https://t.co/DAxfdyCzJ8

Apr 12, 2021 · 32 likes · 7 shares · 115,392 followers View post →
Fear is the mind-killer
@yellow_fr3ak · X

ohhhh some nice new Dire Wolf discoveries https://t.co/BdJbNFp2Bt

Apr 13, 2021 · 6 likes · 15,987 followers View post →
Arjun Dheer
@ArjDheer · X

https://t.co/M7xPoJYCwU https://t.co/6RTTTz0Hqr

Mar 29, 2020 · 3 likes · 2 shares · 4,361 followers View post →
Soundy
@Soundy777 · X

RIP @Direwolf20

Apr 13, 2021 · 2 likes · 3,843 followers View post →
Rosyna Keller
@rosyna · X

Reminder from @SciShow that taxonomy is a lie. Also, all things will eventually evolve into crabs. https://t.co/LfUk0BRy1L

Apr 13, 2021 · 2 likes · 1,902 followers View post →

All mentions

necro
@necrowow2 · X

@Slkbarreto @Rod22rigo @arianaprodutora @grok "vai ler estudo de verdade" O cara usando PSI. Ninguem usa essa merda, irmão. É newtons, porra. Pounds per Square Inch é a coisa menos confiável do mundo. PSI é inútil. E não, ela não "racha carapaça de jacaré açu". DOI: 10.1177/154411130201300406 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2004.2986

Aug 17, 2025 · 1 like · 1,808 followers View post →
Adam
@adz5501 · X

@BlackEsau_ @BogardGreedy @why_the_horse @MunstaMasta Yes, Prof. Stephen Wroe's studies on bite force. No doubt gorillas bite hard but not more than a lion ''Bite club: comparative bite force in big biting mammals and the prediction of predatory behaviour in fossil taxa'' ''The craniomandibular mechanics of being human''

May 7, 2025 · 16 followers View post →
Josiah Stevenson
@josiahstevenson.bsky.social · Bluesky

Oh wait — proper dire wolves were not actually that closely related to grey wolves youtu.be/aSqjiJQehek?...

Apr 8, 2025 · 1 share View post →
Adam
@adz5501 · X

@Demone1029 @Spko__ @Sports_God47 @ThatCrazyGuy55 @Ramtarts @rlevi I've done my research, please read the studies 'Bite forces and evolutionary adaptations to feeding ecology in carnivores' & 'Bite club: comparative bite force in big biting mammals and the prediction of predatory behaviour in fossil taxa'

Mar 5, 2025 · 1 like · 16 followers View post →
felix cortez
@felixco22900281 · X

Open your eyes https://t.co/h4KMmHhgZy

Jun 11, 2024 · 1 followers View post →
Cheryl Amber Dotson
@GODZILLASLAYS65 · X

Dire Wolves Were Real! But Not Wolves https://t.co/tEIoFuAUzx via @YouTube

Oct 7, 2022 · 1,095 followers View post →
Robert Walker
@jwalker28057853 · X

Dire Wolves Were Real! But Not Wolves https://t.co/iOTUKbDGBj via @YouTube

Mar 7, 2022 · 704 followers View post →
Jessica Greenhood
@jgreenhood · X

Dire Wolves Were Real! But Not Wolves https://t.co/yiSwFA5Zsr https://t.co/24lW6B2siA

Sep 27, 2021 · 5,207 followers View post →
Jessica Greenhood
@jgreenhood · X

Dire Wolves Were Real! But Not Wolves https://t.co/nzYiQTE6PL https://t.co/7JSwOdgnY4

Sep 27, 2021 · 5,207 followers View post →
Shawn Latty
@ShawnLatty1 · X

Dire Wolves Were Real! But Not Wolves https://t.co/SLCdFmxPIg via @YouTube

Sep 26, 2021 · 7 followers View post →
Cheryl Amber Dotson
@GODZILLASLAYS65 · X

Dire Wolves Were Real! But Not Wolves https://t.co/tEIoFuSvY7 via @YouTube

Jun 29, 2021 · 1,095 followers View post →
Shava Nerad - @shava23@bluesky
@shava23 · X

#til Dire Wolves were real and they weren't wolves. https://t.co/yBKVhSkbbT

May 31, 2021 · 1,681 followers View post →
Cheryl Amber Dotson
@GODZILLASLAYS65 · X

Dire Wolves Were Real! But Not Wolves https://t.co/tEIoFuSvY7 via @YouTube

May 26, 2021 · 1,095 followers View post →
clarissa / alt socials on pinned.
@ClarissaDeLune · X

RT @SciShow: Dire wolves aren’t just mythical creatures from fantasy novels like Game of Thrones, they actually existed! They are, however,…

May 23, 2021 · 7 shares · 2,521 followers View post →
gofuckyourself, elon
@CarlaEasterling · X

Dire Wolves Were Real! But Not Wolves https://t.co/9t0MK8bhJ1 via @YouTube #4ourworld

May 3, 2021 · 174 followers View post →
kirsten houseknecht aka fabricdragon
@fabricdragon · X

Dire Wolves Were Real! But Not Wolves https://t.co/I6rP3fDiDz via @YouTube

Apr 27, 2021 · 3,965 followers View post →
Tom Garlinghouse
@GarlinghouseTom · X

https://t.co/m7AgbWO3dV

Apr 20, 2021 · 141 followers View post →
Delilah L. Veronese
@DelilahVeronese · X

Dire Wolves Were Real! But Not Wolves https://t.co/hdfklkl7rq https://t.co/KqQGPXKYJz

Apr 18, 2021 · 3,636 followers View post →
Ivy Tara Blair | audiobooks | sound engineer
@ivytarablair · X

i loved learning about this!! https://t.co/lbxUMp0Ahd https://t.co/ezlTdiNkXq

Apr 15, 2021 · 422 followers View post →
Christine King
@christinekingza · X

Dire Wolves Were Real! But Not Wolves https://t.co/4EMaPoubhH via @YouTube

Apr 15, 2021 · 170 followers View post →
Luca
@SorrisoCattivo · X

https://t.co/leynpJUnzu

Apr 15, 2021 · 142 followers View post →
Nulcheck
@Nulcheck_ · X

@Direwolf20 https://t.co/hJDLvoTgsw

Apr 14, 2021 · 1 like · 69 followers View post →
MysticCoco
@TheMysticCoco · X

Apr 14, 2021 · 100 followers View post →
riahchan
@riah_chan · X

RT @SciShow: Dire wolves aren’t just mythical creatures from fantasy novels like Game of Thrones, they actually existed! They are, however,…

Apr 13, 2021 · 7 shares · 337 followers View post →
Shipwreck
@markthesnark2 · X

https://t.co/tiG2aakOB5 @JacketNation89 Dire Wolves Theories

Apr 13, 2021 · 3,702 followers View post →
Eccentric Engineer
@EccentricEngr · X

@Direwolf20 i think you'll enjoy this :D https://t.co/QHFO2aXNHq

Apr 13, 2021 · 1 like View post →
Sally Van Eycke
@SallyVanEycke · X

Apr 13, 2021 · 37 followers View post →
Cecile Braconnier
@braco001 · X

Dire Wolves Were Real! But Not Wolves https://t.co/JHdxDp2DeZ via @YouTube

Apr 13, 2021 · 738 followers View post →
Soundy
@Soundy777 · X

RIP @Direwolf20

Apr 13, 2021 · 2 likes · 3,843 followers View post →
Puck the dungeon master/he,him Bi
@PuckinDM · X

dire wolves were a thing and that is awsome. https://t.co/UrfiLsVleU

Apr 13, 2021 · 1 like · 155 followers View post →
Rosyna Keller
@rosyna · X

Reminder from @SciShow that taxonomy is a lie. Also, all things will eventually evolve into crabs. https://t.co/LfUk0BRy1L

Apr 13, 2021 · 2 likes · 1,902 followers View post →
Fear is the mind-killer
@yellow_fr3ak · X

ohhhh some nice new Dire Wolf discoveries https://t.co/BdJbNFp2Bt

Apr 13, 2021 · 6 likes · 15,987 followers View post →
No Such Thing as a Seagull
@nosuchseagull · X

RT @SciShow: Dire wolves aren’t just mythical creatures from fantasy novels like Game of Thrones, they actually existed! They are, however,…

Apr 12, 2021 · 7 shares · 547 followers View post →
John W. Sheldon - @johnwsheldon@dice.camp
@JohnWSheldon · X

The are only two possible futures: wolf or crab. https://t.co/f5e0kfeR8V

Apr 12, 2021 · 2 likes · 319 followers View post →
William Wallace
@bill14051 · X

RT @SciShow: Dire wolves aren’t just mythical creatures from fantasy novels like Game of Thrones, they actually existed! They are, however,…

Apr 12, 2021 · 7 shares · 361 followers View post →
gofuckyourself, elon
@CarlaEasterling · X

Dire Wolves Were Real! But Not Wolves https://t.co/9t0MK8bhJ1 via @YouTube #youknowwhatyouknow

Apr 12, 2021 · 174 followers View post →
Louard
@LouardOnGames · X

Dire Wolves Were Real! But Not Wolves https://t.co/q6FlXqbiw1 via @YouTube OMG!! Modern wolves are more closely related to jackals than direwolves!

Apr 12, 2021 · 1,195 followers View post →
Empress_2_Impress
@NoMoreRoyale · X

RT @SciShow: Dire wolves aren’t just mythical creatures from fantasy novels like Game of Thrones, they actually existed! They are, however,…

Apr 12, 2021 · 7 shares · 144 followers View post →
Skywise
@Skywise001 · X

@JBLNT1 https://t.co/a1yHkwwJ02

Apr 12, 2021 · 1 like · 7,601 followers View post →
我以為
@justfabiano · X

Pre-historic Dire Wolves were not wolves at all! https://t.co/TziPFeeTHp

Apr 12, 2021 · 91 followers View post →
Celestial wandering
@CelesteKO_O · X

Dire Wolves Were Real.

Apr 12, 2021 · 1 like · 579 followers View post →
MaowFox
@MaowFox · X

BREAKING: Dire wolves weren’t wolves https://t.co/c1LKdxUAVE

Apr 12, 2021 · 468 followers View post →
Тэ дрэвэт утвикλэрэн
@TeaDrivenDev · X

RT @SciShow: Dire wolves aren’t just mythical creatures from fantasy novels like Game of Thrones, they actually existed! They are, however,…

Apr 12, 2021 · 7 shares · 942 followers View post →
SciShow
@SciShow · X

Dire wolves aren’t just mythical creatures from fantasy novels like Game of Thrones, they actually existed! They are, however, not wolves. https://t.co/pfPSscaLZJ https://t.co/DAxfdyCzJ8

Apr 12, 2021 · 32 likes · 7 shares · 115,392 followers View post →
Creative Brain 4 Life
@CreativeBrain77 · X

https://t.co/CLyQNhEVyQ https://t.co/v0OJFIOqYS SciShow is supported by https://t.co/aD8KmTlTFb. Go to https://t.co/8isydVNILN to get 20% off of an annual Premium subscription. When you hear the words dire wolf, y

Apr 12, 2021 · 1 followers View post →
Shawn H Corey
@shawnhcorey · X

Dire Wolves Were Real! But Not Wolves https://t.co/nBnjxfMH53 via @YouTube

Apr 12, 2021 · 35 followers View post →
Johannes Lüke
@JohannesSLueke · X

New video by SciShow: Dire Wolves Were Real! But Not Wolves https://t.co/tvtGgDY9RE

Apr 12, 2021 · 83 followers View post →
Kitty
@kittybravofan · X

Dire Wolves Were Real! But Not Wolves https://t.co/pkR0QNNqcQ via @YouTube

Apr 12, 2021 · 719 followers View post →
e-csce
@e_csce · X

Dire Wolves Were Real! But Not Wolves @ https://t.co/d60YlsA52K https://t.co/F9OaVWQAX2

Apr 12, 2021 · 117 followers View post →
Dr. Diana King
@TheDJ_King · X

RT @ArjDheer: https://t.co/M7xPoJYCwU https://t.co/6RTTTz0Hqr

Mar 30, 2020 · 2 shares · 3,108 followers View post →
MD
@Midiaou7 · X

RT @ArjDheer: https://t.co/M7xPoJYCwU https://t.co/6RTTTz0Hqr

Mar 29, 2020 · 2 shares · 5,947 followers View post →
Arjun Dheer
@ArjDheer · X

https://t.co/M7xPoJYCwU https://t.co/6RTTTz0Hqr

Mar 29, 2020 · 3 likes · 2 shares · 4,361 followers View post →
Dan
@katzen480 · X

RT @oatila: Para alguns bichos talvez servisse pra perfuração, pra outros talvez asfixia mordendo o pescoço. Vários grupos já tiveram dente…

Feb 28, 2020 · 1 share · 32 followers View post →
Atila Iamarino - atila.bsky.social
@oatila · X

Para alguns bichos talvez servisse pra perfuração, pra outros talvez asfixia mordendo o pescoço. Vários grupos já tiveram dentes assim: https://t.co/bPpFMK1Zxp https://t.co/CLtJCeDsJn

Feb 28, 2020 · 62 likes · 1 share · 1,159,836 followers View post →
Dr Elsa Panciroli
@gsciencelady · X

RT @am_anatiala: Anne: Well tiger quolls do have a very strong bite & really quite large canines. I do like a good set of canines. *eyes g…

Mar 27, 2019 · 5 shares · 8,756 followers View post →
Brandon Timm
@brandon_timm · X

RT @am_anatiala: Anne: Well tiger quolls do have a very strong bite & really quite large canines. I do like a good set of canines. *eyes g…

Mar 26, 2019 · 5 shares · 1,081 followers View post →
Anne Hilborn
@AnneWHilborn · X

RT @am_anatiala: Anne: Well tiger quolls do have a very strong bite & really quite large canines. I do like a good set of canines. *eyes g…

Mar 26, 2019 · 5 shares · 13,533 followers View post →
March Mammal Madness
@MMMletsgo · X

RT @am_anatiala: Anne: Well tiger quolls do have a very strong bite & really quite large canines. I do like a good set of canines. *eyes g…

Mar 26, 2019 · 5 shares · 31,113 followers View post →
MC Marmot
@MC_Marmot · X

RT @am_anatiala: Anne: Well tiger quolls do have a very strong bite & really quite large canines. I do like a good set of canines. *eyes g…

Mar 26, 2019 · 5 shares · 1,770 followers View post →