PubHawk
September 2009 PMID 19711467

The facial integument of centrosaurine ceratopsids: morphological and histological correlates of novel skin structures.

Tobin L Hieronymus, Lawrence M Witmer, Darren H Tanke, Philip J Currie

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Mentions

34
Peak: 5 in Mar 2022
across 5 sources since May 2011

Extended reach

186,009
potential audience

Total likes

2,731

Video views

104,828

Mentions per month

May 2011 – Jun 2025

Where it's discussed

  • X / Twitter27 posts
  • YouTube2 videos
  • Instagram2 posts
  • News2 articles
  • Bluesky1 posts

AI synopsis

What people are saying

The discussions reflect a consensus that bone texture studies, like Hieronymus et al. 2009, reveal Pachyrhinosaurus had thick, cornified skin rather than horns, with posts frequently referencing specific research and debates about morphological features. The tone and language, such as 'disproven' and 'most important study,' demonstrate both critical analysis and recognition of the article's impact on the field.

AgreementStrong agreement

Most participants seem to support or agree with the article's findings, emphasizing that the bone texture indicates features like thick, horny skin and ruling out horn-like structures for Pachyrhinosaurus.

InterestHigh interest

Discussions show high curiosity and focus on specific morphological details, indicating strong interest in understanding fossil skin structures and their behaviors.

EngagementHigh engagement

Comments cite various studies (e.g., Hieronymus et al. 2009) and compare fossil evidence with modern animals, reflecting deep engagement with methods, implications, and interpretations.

ImpactHigh impact

The social discussions highlight the study's significance in correcting misconceptions and advancing knowledge about ceratopsid facial anatomy, emphasizing its importance within paleontology.

Abstract in brief

  • This study examines the bone and skin structures of centrosaurine ceratopsids, especially Pachyrhinosaurus, which features rugose bony bosses instead of typical horns, to understand their skin morphology and function through comparison with modern animals.
  • The researchers identify osteological and histological patterns, like pitting and ossification, that correlate with specific skin features such as scales and horn sheaths, suggesting that the bosses were likely covered by thick, horny skin similar to that of muskoxen, aiding in behaviors like headbutting.
  • Findings indicate that these prominent bony ornaments are associated with high-energy combat behaviors rather than species recognition, proposing that skull ornamentation in ceratopsians evolved primarily for aggressive interactions rather than merely for display or identification.]
Read the full abstract

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
WitmerLab at Ohio University
@witmerlab.bsky.social · Bluesky

Here are a couple more Pachyrhinosaurus images from our 2008 brain endocast article (bit.ly/4jTiNJf) as well as an image from the Hieronymus et al. 2009 facial integument article (bit.ly/447xCC1).

Jun 19, 2025 · 10 likes · 3 shares View post →
Cary Woodruff
@DoubleBeam · X

Extant pecorans wonderfully show that bone & the keratin sheath do not have to be 1:1 (look @ pronghorn antelope). & in the paleo world, the AMAZING study by Heironymus et al mapped bone tissue textures to connective tissue & applied that to ceratopsians. https://t.co/sDhep55fqw

Jun 3, 2022 · 9 likes · 3,607 followers View post →
加藤ひろし / 恐竜のお兄さん @GBめぐりシリーズ公式アンバサダー
@Hiro_DinoPaleo · X

#恐竜復元教室パキリノサウルス編 #ヒロくん論文紹介 パキリノサウルスを含めたセントロサウルス亜科の頭部の復元についての論文です。 Hieronymus et al (2009) https://t.co/XjKkr2R1dc https://t.co/uyoZzwurwb

Jan 25, 2021 · 7 likes · 4 shares · 4,958 followers View post →
加藤ひろし / 恐竜のお兄さん @GBめぐりシリーズ公式アンバサダー
@Hiro_DinoPaleo · X

#DINOPALEOch トリケラトプス達の角・スティラコサウルス達の角・パキリノサウルス達の鼻の上の瘤の構造については、2009年に研究論文(Hieronymus et al. 2009 https://t.co/XjKkr2zYbc)が発表されています。 https://t.co/wKBvmvcz0O

Mar 24, 2022 · 6 likes · 4 shares · 4,958 followers View post →
WaterWitch
@Dilophoraptor · X

@JackHornerDinos by ignoring the scale correlates that Ceratopsids have, as are described by Hieronymus et al. 2009(1) and Dalman et al. 2021(2) 1. https://t.co/vVWFZuRCom 2. https://t.co/4Edd0TcIN6

Oct 21, 2021 · 6 likes · 234 followers View post →
The Ceratopsian Custodian
@PRECISETHF · X

@TM9380 @KingRexy328 @TMtheEQplusNerd https://t.co/dJurGZk044

Oct 18, 2021 · 4 likes · 1,725 followers View post →

All mentions

WitmerLab at Ohio University
@witmerlab.bsky.social · Bluesky

Here are a couple more Pachyrhinosaurus images from our 2008 brain endocast article (bit.ly/4jTiNJf) as well as an image from the Hieronymus et al. 2009 facial integument article (bit.ly/447xCC1).

Jun 19, 2025 · 10 likes · 3 shares View post →
らえらぷす@HJ連載中
@GET_AWAY_TRIKE · X

@Ievrem https://t.co/7HErOegXN8

Jun 28, 2024 · 1 like · 5,873 followers View post →
Tyler Greenfield
@TylerGreenfieId · X

@clumsystiggy @TimVersteeg4 @AttemptingLogic I don't think those are intended to be three nasal horns, but rather one nasal horn with two large scales in front of it. Other centrosaurines have osteological correlates for large scales in that region. https://t.co/gW1r6IQA24 https://t.co/4H2prNwmbD

Aug 8, 2023 · 2 likes · 6,365 followers View post →
DNR
@hBAHroX4b7Pt5Nz · X

RT @Hiro_DinoPaleo: #DINOPALEOch トリケラトプス達の角・スティラコサウルス達の角・パキリノサウルス達の鼻の上の瘤の構造については、2009年に研究論文(Hieronymus et al. 2009 https://t.co/XjKkr2zYbc)…

Oct 22, 2022 · 4 shares · 1,057 followers View post →
加藤ひろし / 恐竜のお兄さん @GBめぐりシリーズ公式アンバサダー
@Hiro_DinoPaleo · X

RT @Hiro_DinoPaleo: #恐竜復元教室パキリノサウルス編 #ヒロくん論文紹介 パキリノサウルスを含めたセントロサウルス亜科の頭部の復元についての論文です。 Hieronymus et al (2009) https://t.co/XjKkr2R1dc http…

Oct 22, 2022 · 4 shares · 4,958 followers View post →
Cary Woodruff
@DoubleBeam · X

Extant pecorans wonderfully show that bone & the keratin sheath do not have to be 1:1 (look @ pronghorn antelope). & in the paleo world, the AMAZING study by Heironymus et al mapped bone tissue textures to connective tissue & applied that to ceratopsians. https://t.co/sDhep55fqw

Jun 3, 2022 · 9 likes · 3,607 followers View post →
ヒゲさん(ひげさん)
@higedouraku · X

RT @Hiro_DinoPaleo: #DinoScience #恐竜科学博 トリケラトプス達角竜類の角の構造は「骨の芯の上からケラチン質(爪等の角質を作る成分)のコーティングがある構造」と考えられており、 この構造の角を持つ主な今の動物は、ウシ科の動物達です(e.g. H…

Mar 29, 2022 · 7 shares · 583 followers View post →
松蛇堂
@Matsuhebi · X

RT @Hiro_DinoPaleo: #DINOPALEOch トリケラトプス達の角・スティラコサウルス達の角・パキリノサウルス達の鼻の上の瘤の構造については、2009年に研究論文(Hieronymus et al. 2009 https://t.co/XjKkr2zYbc)…

Mar 29, 2022 · 4 shares · 1,368 followers View post →
加藤ひろし / 恐竜のお兄さん @GBめぐりシリーズ公式アンバサダー
@Hiro_DinoPaleo · X

RT @Hiro_DinoPaleo: #DinoScience #恐竜科学博 トリケラトプス達角竜類の角の構造は「骨の芯の上からケラチン質(爪等の角質を作る成分)のコーティングがある構造」と考えられており、 この構造の角を持つ主な今の動物は、ウシ科の動物達です(e.g. H…

Mar 28, 2022 · 7 shares · 4,958 followers View post →
DNR
@hBAHroX4b7Pt5Nz · X

RT @Hiro_DinoPaleo: #DINOPALEOch トリケラトプス達の角・スティラコサウルス達の角・パキリノサウルス達の鼻の上の瘤の構造については、2009年に研究論文(Hieronymus et al. 2009 https://t.co/XjKkr2zYbc)…

Mar 25, 2022 · 4 shares · 1,057 followers View post →
加藤ひろし / 恐竜のお兄さん @GBめぐりシリーズ公式アンバサダー
@Hiro_DinoPaleo · X

#DINOPALEOch トリケラトプス達の角・スティラコサウルス達の角・パキリノサウルス達の鼻の上の瘤の構造については、2009年に研究論文(Hieronymus et al. 2009 https://t.co/XjKkr2zYbc)が発表されています。 https://t.co/wKBvmvcz0O

Mar 24, 2022 · 6 likes · 4 shares · 4,958 followers View post →
WaterWitch
@Dilophoraptor · X

@JackHornerDinos by ignoring the scale correlates that Ceratopsids have, as are described by Hieronymus et al. 2009(1) and Dalman et al. 2021(2) 1. https://t.co/vVWFZuRCom 2. https://t.co/4Edd0TcIN6

Oct 21, 2021 · 6 likes · 234 followers View post →
The Ceratopsian Custodian
@PRECISETHF · X

@TM9380 @KingRexy328 @TMtheEQplusNerd https://t.co/dJurGZk044

Oct 18, 2021 · 4 likes · 1,725 followers View post →
ケラトプスユウタ
@ceratopsyuta · X

RT @hirolichyi10: #DinoScience #恐竜科学博 トリケラトプス達角竜類の角の構造は「骨の芯の上からケラチン質(爪等の角質を作る成分)のコーティングがある構造」と考えられており、 この構造の角を持つ主な今の動物は、ウシ科の動物達です(e.g. Hie…

Aug 2, 2021 · 7 shares · 566 followers View post →
てつ
@i64d0QZFJMLWxC2 · X

RT @hirolichyi10: #DinoScience #恐竜科学博 トリケラトプス達角竜類の角の構造は「骨の芯の上からケラチン質(爪等の角質を作る成分)のコーティングがある構造」と考えられており、 この構造の角を持つ主な今の動物は、ウシ科の動物達です(e.g. Hie…

Jul 26, 2021 · 7 shares · 1,966 followers View post →
DNR
@hBAHroX4b7Pt5Nz · X

RT @hirolichyi10: #DinoScience #恐竜科学博 トリケラトプス達角竜類の角の構造は「骨の芯の上からケラチン質(爪等の角質を作る成分)のコーティングがある構造」と考えられており、 この構造の角を持つ主な今の動物は、ウシ科の動物達です(e.g. Hie…

Jul 23, 2021 · 7 shares · 1,057 followers View post →
y.araumi
@kaosdrake · X

RT @hirolichyi10: #DinoScience #恐竜科学博 トリケラトプス達角竜類の角の構造は「骨の芯の上からケラチン質(爪等の角質を作る成分)のコーティングがある構造」と考えられており、 この構造の角を持つ主な今の動物は、ウシ科の動物達です(e.g. Hie…

Jul 21, 2021 · 7 shares · 321 followers View post →
ベルツリー⊿
@belltree_33 · X

RT @hirolichyi10: #DinoScience #恐竜科学博 トリケラトプス達角竜類の角の構造は「骨の芯の上からケラチン質(爪等の角質を作る成分)のコーティングがある構造」と考えられており、 この構造の角を持つ主な今の動物は、ウシ科の動物達です(e.g. Hie…

Jul 20, 2021 · 7 shares · 682 followers View post →
TenontosaurusT
@TenontosaurusT · X

@Prekuh1 https://t.co/XpWpPN0c6f That's the discussion I've seen mentioning this topic The only paper I found about ceratopsian facial integument is about centrosaurinae https://t.co/E6jBz7nlpw But there's also this https://t.co/G8yRxr83Mn

Apr 17, 2021 · 2 likes · 1,148 followers View post →
papageno
@pa_pa_geno · X

RT @hirolichyi10: #恐竜復元教室パキリノサウルス編 #ヒロくん論文紹介 パキリノサウルスを含めたセントロサウルス亜科の頭部の復元についての論文です。 Hieronymus et al (2009) https://t.co/XjKkr2R1dc https:…

Jan 25, 2021 · 4 shares · 2,797 followers View post →
加藤ひろし / 恐竜のお兄さん @GBめぐりシリーズ公式アンバサダー
@Hiro_DinoPaleo · X

#恐竜復元教室パキリノサウルス編 #ヒロくん論文紹介 パキリノサウルスを含めたセントロサウルス亜科の頭部の復元についての論文です。 Hieronymus et al (2009) https://t.co/XjKkr2R1dc https://t.co/uyoZzwurwb

Jan 25, 2021 · 7 likes · 4 shares · 4,958 followers View post →
Tyler Greenfield
@TylerGreenfieId · X

@KahlilDavis4 It had been suggested that Pachyrhinosaurus had a rhino-like horn and this even became a paleoart meme. However this was disproven by a study of the bone texture. https://t.co/ogoTbzNwjF

Apr 23, 2020 · 1 like · 6,365 followers View post →
Gulpvenator
@longingforTLW · X

RT @hirolichyi10: ケラトプス科セントロサウルス亜科の顔の皮膚の復元に関する論文。 https://t.co/bRmrWSQ6XW

Feb 13, 2020 · 9 shares · 398 followers View post →
ビクーピー
@B47197246 · X

RT @hirolichyi10: ケラトプス科セントロサウルス亜科の顔の皮膚の復元に関する論文。 https://t.co/bRmrWSQ6XW

Feb 13, 2020 · 9 shares · 1,897 followers View post →
Tyler Greenfield
@TylerGreenfieId · X

@Bonpland Read Hieronymus et al. (2009); Pachyrhinosaurus almost certainly had a boss of cornified skin and not a horn based on bone texture. Also osteoderms are an entirely different structure than a horn. https://t.co/ogoTbzNwjF

Feb 1, 2020 · 2 likes · 6,365 followers View post →
Dr Matt Dempsey
@Sketchy_raptor · X

@DrawasaurusAU Doesn't really cover cartilages, but Hieronymus et al. 2009 "The Facial Integument of Centrosaurine Ceratopsids: Morphological and Histological Correlates of Novel Skin Structures' is one of the most important studies on reconstructing the craniofacial tissues of fossil animals.

Nov 13, 2019 · 2 likes · 13,248 followers View post →
大洋
@Tricerasun1353 · X

とりあえず冠龍くんにｼｭｩｩｩｩｩしたやつ貼っとくか.....あ、僕はコブ派だけどロマンも好きです https://t.co/lqSJ2XH7So

May 29, 2019 · 1,218 followers View post →
大洋
@Tricerasun1353 · X

@fN58O2rbjB3Z61H サイのような角を持ってないんじゃないかなあという意味ですね。セントロサウルスからエイニオ、アケロウのくだり的にあんまでかい角はないかなあと。一応こういうの見つけました。ざっくり最初だけ読みましたけどこれだとコブパッド説推しっぽいですね。 https://t.co/lqSJ2XH7So

May 29, 2019 · 1 like · 1,218 followers View post →
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