June 2015 PMID 26063751

Downsizing a giant: re-evaluating Dreadnoughtus body mass.

Karl T Bates, Peter L Falkingham, Sophie Macaulay, Charlotte Brassey, Susannah C R Maidment

Mentions

31
Peak: 3 in Mar 2024
across 6 sources since Jun 2022

Extended reach

2,978,704
potential audience

Total likes

24,358

Video views

2,957,664

Mentions per month

Jun 2022 – Nov 2025

Where it's discussed

  • News11 articles
  • Facebook8 posts
  • YouTube6 videos
  • X / Twitter2 posts
  • Reddit2 posts
  • Blogs2 articles

AI synopsis

What people are saying

The discussions reflect a balanced curiosity about the fossil records, with comments noting that some recent estimates for Dreadnoughtus body mass are supported by existing data, such as the mention of specific specimens weighing around 33 tons. The tone suggests an informed debate about the accuracy of size estimates, emphasizing the importance of detailed fossil evidence and modeling techniques.

AgreementModerate agreement

Most discussions acknowledge existing estimates and argue that some recent figures may be underestimated or based on incomplete data.

InterestModerate interest

Posts show moderate curiosity, with references to specific fossil specimens and the implications of accurate size estimation.

EngagementModerate engagement

The exchanges involve some technical details, indicating a thoughtful level of engagement, such as mentioning fossil records and modeling methods.

ImpactNeutral impact

While the discussions highlight ongoing debates, they do not seem to significantly influence broader scientific views or public awareness.

Abstract in brief

  • The study critiques a recent estimate that the Dreadnoughtus dinosaur weighed about 59,300 kg, suggesting that such a high body mass is unlikely because it would require extremely dense bodies and much larger soft tissue volumes than seen in living animals.
  • Using volumetric modeling, the authors argue that a more plausible body mass for Dreadnoughtus is below 40,000 kg, based on data from modern animals and the constraints of body density and soft tissue volume.
  • The findings highlight the need for more comprehensive data from living animals and a systematic comparison of different modeling techniques to improve accurate estimates of dinosaur body size in future research.]

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
Luigi
@Antrodemus · X

@badjurassictake @Pyroraptor717 If you actually read the literature, you can see published estimates for it around that high in recent times. We have 22-25 ton individuals and the largest one is OMNH 1670 at ~33 tons (and 33t is the downsized value already). https://t.co/WwTAM2ZPWR

Feb 15, 2025 · 2 likes · 8,226 followers View post →
Dr Matt Dempsey
@Sketchy_raptor · X

@HalcyonTraveler @ausar_the (More on this here: https://t.co/0jkjGrdiRu)

Nov 29, 2023 · 1 like · 12,822 followers View post →

All mentions

Insights into Titanosaur Body Mass Evolution

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탐사튜브 · Jul 25, 2024 137,981 views

Insights into Titanosaur Body Mass Evolution

A new giant titanosaur offers insights into the evolution of body mass among sauropods. Recent discoveries found this new species to be one of the largest and most complete titanosaurs documented, enhancing our…

탐사튜브 · Sep 29, 2025 52,313 views
Luigi
@Antrodemus · X

@badjurassictake @Pyroraptor717 If you actually read the literature, you can see published estimates for it around that high in recent times. We have 22-25 ton individuals and the largest one is OMNH 1670 at ~33 tons (and 33t is the downsized value already). https://t.co/WwTAM2ZPWR

Feb 15, 2025 · 2 likes · 8,226 followers View post →
Dr Matt Dempsey
@Sketchy_raptor · X

@HalcyonTraveler @ausar_the (More on this here: https://t.co/0jkjGrdiRu)

Nov 29, 2023 · 1 like · 12,822 followers View post →