September 2016 PMID 27641767

3D Camouflage in an Ornithischian Dinosaur.

Jakob Vinther, Robert Nicholls, Stephan Lautenschlager, Michael Pittman, Thomas G Kaye, Emily Rayfield, Gerald Mayr, Innes C Cuthill

Mentions

171
Peak: 3 in Jan 2021
across 5 sources since Feb 2019

Extended reach

249,987
potential audience

Total likes

10,621

Video views

226,320

Mentions per month

Feb 2019 – Oct 2025

Where it's discussed

  • News123 articles
  • Blogs24 articles
  • Facebook14 posts
  • X / Twitter6 posts
  • YouTube4 videos

AI synopsis

What people are saying

The discussions show strong support for the study, with users describing the dinosaur's countershading as an effective form of camouflage in forested habitats, reflecting genuine curiosity and recognition of its scientific significance. Words like 'anatomy class' and 'discussing this paper' indicate active engagement and interest, while references to methods and habitat implications demonstrate recognition of the research's impact on understanding dinosaur ecology.

AgreementModerate agreement

Most discussions support the conclusions of the paper, emphasizing its validity and importance.

InterestHigh interest

Participants are highly interested, especially highlighting how the research relates to phenomena like animal camouflage and habitats.

EngagementModerate engagement

Comments reflect moderate engagement, with some users referencing specific details like countershading and habitat implications.

ImpactModerate impact

The research appears to influence both academic curiosity and educational discussions, suggesting a meaningful impact.

Abstract in brief

  • The study explores how countershading, a form of camouflage with a light belly and dark back, helps animals like the dinosaur Psittacosaurus blend into their environment, especially in different habitats like open areas or dense forests.
  • By examining preserved fossil melanin, scientists reconstructed the dinosaur’s coloration patterns and used accurate models to test how well these patterns provide camouflage in various lighting conditions, supporting the idea that Psittacosaurus lived in forested, closed habitats.
  • The findings indicate that the dinosaur’s coloration was adapted to diffuse, shaded light conditions typical of forests, offering insights into its habitat and how ancient animals used coloration for survival.]

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
加藤ひろし / 恐竜のお兄さん
@Hiro_DinoPaleo · X

#恐竜研究所 このプシッタコサウルスのゾーンでは、プシッタコサウルスの体色を分析した研究を紹介しています。 https://t.co/J3uKxGTfl3 https://t.co/Dtswgqm7A7

May 1, 2019 · 14 likes · 2 shares · 4,928 followers View post →
דוידסון אונליין
@DavidsonOnline · X

בזכות מאובן של פסיטקוזאורוס ("לטאת תוכי"), דינוזאור קטן אוכל עשב וקרוב משפחה של הטריצרטופסים, נסתם עוד חור בידע שלנו על הדינוזאורים שאינם עופות.

Oct 29, 2020 · 12 likes · 1 share · 5,482 followers View post →
Dr. Natalie Wright
@coereba · X

In my anatomy class today, we're discussing this paper on the camouflaged coloration of a Psittacosaurus dinosaur. It had countershading indicative of camouflage in a closed, forested habitat. https://t.co/OvZd2u24gz

Feb 4, 2019 · 6 likes · 4,479 followers View post →
Noam Leviatan נעם לויתן
@Noams_Ark · X

RT @DavidsonOnline: בזכות מאובן של פסיטקוזאורוס ("לטאת תוכי"), דינוזאור קטן אוכל עשב וקרוב משפחה של הטריצרטופסים, נסתם עוד חור בידע שלנו על…

Nov 1, 2020 · 1 share · 3,600 followers View post →
Takeshi
@angustidens · X

RT @hirolichyi10: #恐竜研究所 このプシッタコサウルスのゾーンでは、プシッタコサウルスの体色を分析した研究を紹介しています。 https://t.co/J3uKxGTfl3 https://t.co/Dtswgqm7A7

Jan 20, 2021 · 2 shares · 3,544 followers View post →
どぶりあ
@dobrevipo · X

RT @hirolichyi10: #恐竜研究所 このプシッタコサウルスのゾーンでは、プシッタコサウルスの体色を分析した研究を紹介しています。 https://t.co/J3uKxGTfl3 https://t.co/Dtswgqm7A7

Jan 20, 2021 · 2 shares · 1,619 followers View post →

All mentions

どぶりあ
@dobrevipo · X

RT @hirolichyi10: #恐竜研究所 このプシッタコサウルスのゾーンでは、プシッタコサウルスの体色を分析した研究を紹介しています。 https://t.co/J3uKxGTfl3 https://t.co/Dtswgqm7A7

Jan 20, 2021 · 2 shares · 1,619 followers View post →
Takeshi
@angustidens · X

RT @hirolichyi10: #恐竜研究所 このプシッタコサウルスのゾーンでは、プシッタコサウルスの体色を分析した研究を紹介しています。 https://t.co/J3uKxGTfl3 https://t.co/Dtswgqm7A7

Jan 20, 2021 · 2 shares · 3,544 followers View post →
Noam Leviatan נעם לויתן
@Noams_Ark · X

RT @DavidsonOnline: בזכות מאובן של פסיטקוזאורוס ("לטאת תוכי"), דינוזאור קטן אוכל עשב וקרוב משפחה של הטריצרטופסים, נסתם עוד חור בידע שלנו על…

Nov 1, 2020 · 1 share · 3,600 followers View post →
דוידסון אונליין
@DavidsonOnline · X

בזכות מאובן של פסיטקוזאורוס ("לטאת תוכי"), דינוזאור קטן אוכל עשב וקרוב משפחה של הטריצרטופסים, נסתם עוד חור בידע שלנו על הדינוזאורים שאינם עופות.

Oct 29, 2020 · 12 likes · 1 share · 5,482 followers View post →
加藤ひろし / 恐竜のお兄さん
@Hiro_DinoPaleo · X

#恐竜研究所 このプシッタコサウルスのゾーンでは、プシッタコサウルスの体色を分析した研究を紹介しています。 https://t.co/J3uKxGTfl3 https://t.co/Dtswgqm7A7

May 1, 2019 · 14 likes · 2 shares · 4,928 followers View post →
Dr. Natalie Wright
@coereba · X

In my anatomy class today, we're discussing this paper on the camouflaged coloration of a Psittacosaurus dinosaur. It had countershading indicative of camouflage in a closed, forested habitat. https://t.co/OvZd2u24gz

Feb 4, 2019 · 6 likes · 4,479 followers View post →