PubHawk
August 2009 PMID 19364713

Skin of the Cretaceous mosasaur Plotosaurus: implications for aquatic adaptations in giant marine reptiles.

Johan Lindgren, Carl Alwmark, Michael W Caldwell, Anthony R Fiorillo

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Mentions

7
Peak: 1 in Jan 2020
across 4 sources since Jan 2020

Extended reach

10,733
potential audience

Total likes

171

Video views

4,787

Mentions per month

Jan 2020 – Nov 2025

Where it's discussed

  • TikTok3 posts
  • YouTube2 videos
  • X / Twitter1 posts
  • Blogs1 articles

AI synopsis

What people are saying

The discussion reflects strong interest and agreement, with posts referencing prior studies and encouraging exploration of the related literature, exemplified by invitations to view papers and hashtags like #MosasaurMonday that promote ongoing discussion. The tone is curious and respectful, emphasizing the importance of heritage in understanding marine reptile adaptations.

AgreementModerate agreement

Most discussions acknowledge the significance of the discovery, with some explicitly endorsing its implications for understanding aquatic adaptations.

InterestHigh interest

Posts demonstrate high curiosity about the research, referencing related papers and encouraging further reading, indicating strong engagement with the topic.

EngagementModerate engagement

The inclusion of specific paper citations and mentions of

ImpactModerate impact

While some contributors see the research as valuable for the field, the overall tone suggests moderate impact, mostly about advancing current knowledge rather than revolutionary change.

Abstract in brief

  • The discovery of a well-preserved Plotosaurus skeleton with skin provides new insights into the dermal cover of mosasauroids, revealing keeled scales that likely helped streamline the body for swimming.
  • These keeled and possibly osteoderm-reinforced scales probably played a role in channeling water flow and reducing turbulence, indicating adaptations for efficient aquatic movement.
  • The findings suggest that hydrodynamic needs significantly influenced the evolution of skin and scale structures in advanced marine reptiles like mosasauroids during the Cretaceous period.
Read the full abstract

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
Dr. Amelia R. Zietlow
@TyrantLzrdQueen · X

Papers below – feel free to DM me for PDFs! Lindgren et al 2007: https://t.co/ZiuOssx3HC Lindgren et al 2009: https://t.co/xEZV5ACMIt @AaronLeBlanc6 et al 2013: https://t.co/DVVZy4pD2N #MosasaurMonday

Sep 13, 2021 · 6 likes · 5,907 followers View post →

All mentions

Dr. Amelia R. Zietlow
@TyrantLzrdQueen · X

Papers below – feel free to DM me for PDFs! Lindgren et al 2007: https://t.co/ZiuOssx3HC Lindgren et al 2009: https://t.co/xEZV5ACMIt @AaronLeBlanc6 et al 2013: https://t.co/DVVZy4pD2N #MosasaurMonday

Sep 13, 2021 · 6 likes · 5,907 followers View post →
Funciones De La Mosasaurus De Jurassic World Rebirth | TikTok
TikTok

https://doi.org/10.1098/rsbl.2009.0097. original sound - SciAnts. 75Me gusta. 1Comentarios. 0Veces compartido. Mosasaur: The Real-Life Sea ...

Nov 24, 2025 View →
Mosasaur: The Real-Life Sea Monster of Jurassic World | TikTok
TikTok

... 10.1098/rsbl.2009.0097. Mosasaur: The Real-Life Sea Monster of Jurassic World. Discover the real mosasaur, a fascinating marine reptile, and ...

Jul 7, 2025 View →
La oruga muy hambrienta: del caos a la mariposa | TikTok
TikTok

... 10.1098/rsbl.2009.0097. original sound - SciAnts. 73Likes. 1Comments. 0Shares. sciants_media. SciAnts. Ferret Friday - Dinosaur Roars Your ...

Nov 19, 2024 View →
Mosasaurs might have used the same microscopic streamlining ...
Blogs

Biology Letters doi:10.1098/rsbl.2009.0097. Martin, L. D. & Rothschild, B. M. 1989. Paleopathology and diving mosasaurs. American Scientist ...

Apr 16, 2009 View →