Dinosaur fossils predict body temperatures.

James F Gillooly, Andrew P Allen, Eric L Charnov

July 2006 PLoS Biol

Synopsis of Social media discussions

The discussions show excitement about the novel insights, with phrases like 'completely flabbergasted' and 'science is so cool,' emphasizing curiosity and astonishment. References to methods such as isotopic ratios and bonding indicate moderate technical engagement, demonstrating both interest and appreciation of scientific advances in understanding dinosaur physiology.

A
Agreement
 Moderate agreement

Most discussions support the significance of the research, highlighting how it advances our understanding of dinosaur biology.

I
Interest
 High level of interest

Many comments express high interest, especially with mentions of the coolness of knowing dinosaur temperatures and the methods used.

E
Engagement
 Moderate level of engagement

Posts often reference specific methods like isotopic analysis, indicating moderate engagement, but not deep controversy or debate.

I
Impact
 Moderate level of impact

The discussions suggest this research could influence ideas about dinosaur physiology and prehistoric life, though their impact is seen as intermediate.

Social Mentions

YouTube

2 Videos

Twitter

13 Posts

News

2 Articles

Metrics

Video Views

487,823

Total Likes

13,994

Extended Reach

649,014

Social Features

17

Timeline: Posts about article

Top Social Media Posts

Posts referencing the article

Understanding Dinosaur Temperature Regulation Methods

Understanding Dinosaur Temperature Regulation Methods

Despite the seemingly basic things we don’t know about dinosaurs, we are aware of their surprising body temperatures. This video explores concepts such as ectothermy and endothermy in dinosaurs, shedding light on their unique metabolic processes and thermoregulation strategies.

MinuteEarth

August 29, 2024

262,997 views

Measuring Dinosaur Body Temperature Using Scientific Methods

Measuring Dinosaur Body Temperature Using Scientific Methods

Despite lacking basic knowledge about dinosaurs, we know surprising facts about their body temperatures. Researchers explored the evolutionary history of metabolism, revealing how dinosaurs adapted their body temperature regulation, impacting survival during the Cretaceous mass extinction.

Minuto da Terra

January 14, 2025

224,826 views

  • Shtayim
    @Shtayim152613 (Twitter)

    RT @gro_tsen: I am completely flabbergasted to learn that we know the internal body temperature of various species of dinosaurs to a good p…
    view full post

    August 16, 2025

    5

  • Olowojeunjeje
    @olowonooni (Twitter)

    Science is so cool | How To Take A Dinosaur's Temperature https://t.co/xLMjSPj5WV via @YouTube
    view full post

    November 14, 2024

  • Thomas R. Holtz, Jr.
    @TomHoltzPaleo (Twitter)

    How To Take A Dinosaur's Temperature https://t.co/8WDChiAJwQ via @YouTube
    view full post

    November 14, 2024

    3

  • MinuteEarth (also on BlueSky)
    @MinuteEarth (Twitter)

    There's a lot we don't know about dinosaurs: the sound they would make, what color they would have had, or what their behaviour was like. But there's something we do know: their temperature. Check out our new video: https://t.co/YtTvyPnD3U https://t.co/hSo5yjsokl
    view full post

    September 3, 2024

    4

  • いきいきにんじん (newsu)
    @uneuneDragon (Twitter)

    https://t.co/PdzvlUAL87 絵がかわいい お尻に体温計挿れられてるサムネ好き
    view full post

    August 31, 2024

    6

  • AnnoyingTechnology
    @Annoying_Tech (Twitter)

    RT @gro_tsen: I am completely flabbergasted to learn that we know the internal body temperature of various species of dinosaurs to a good p…
    view full post

    August 30, 2024

    5

  • Fabienne Gallaire
    @Lignedescience (Twitter)

    RT @gro_tsen: I am completely flabbergasted to learn that we know the internal body temperature of various species of dinosaurs to a good p…
    view full post

    August 30, 2024

    5

  • Fixpir
    @Fixpir (Twitter)

    RT @gro_tsen: I am completely flabbergasted to learn that we know the internal body temperature of various species of dinosaurs to a good p…
    view full post

    August 30, 2024

    5

  • Abie
    @temptoetiam (Twitter)

    RT @gro_tsen: I am completely flabbergasted to learn that we know the internal body temperature of various species of dinosaurs to a good p…
    view full post

    August 29, 2024

    5

  • Gro-Tsen
    @gro_tsen (Twitter)

    I am completely flabbergasted to learn that we know the internal body temperature of various species of dinosaurs to a good precision thanks to… <spoiler> the isotopic ratio and bonding of ¹³C and ¹⁸O in apatite crystals in their bones.
    view full post

    August 29, 2024

    13

    5

  • Alquimista (needs to read more)
    @Althenaturalist (Twitter)

    Ahora ya sé cómo se saben las temperaturas corporales que tenían los dinosarios https://t.co/aHQ2zNN4HX
    view full post

    August 29, 2024

    1

  • JS
    @pretoriadurbanj (Twitter)

    MinuteEarth How To Take A Dinosaur's Temperature https://t.co/BnbzdeFxd0
    view full post

    August 29, 2024

  • MinuteEarth (also on BlueSky)
    @MinuteEarth (Twitter)

    There's a lot we don't know about dinosaurs: the sound they would make, what color they would have had, or what their behaviour was like. But there's something we do know: their temperature. Check out our new video: https://t.co/wUKrreUnMM https://t.co/HpWqGNu7dO
    view full post

    August 29, 2024

    3

Abstract Synopsis

  • The main mystery about dinosaurs is whether they were warm-blooded (endotherms), cold-blooded (ectotherms), or a mix of both.
  • The study developed a model using fossils to estimate dinosaur body temperatures, finding that bigger dinosaurs had higher temperatures, from about 25°C at 12 kg to 41°C at 13,000 kg.
  • The model's predictions matched actual data from living crocodiles, suggesting dinosaurs were reptiles that maintained stable body temperatures through their large size, a condition called inertial homeothermy.]