January 2017 PMID 28133577

Neck biomechanics indicate that giant Transylvanian azhdarchid pterosaurs were short-necked arch predators.

Darren Naish, Mark P Witton

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Mentions

115
Peak: 15 in Jan 2022
across 5 sources since Sep 2020

Extended reach

538,714
potential audience

Total likes

5,047

Video views

81,402

Mentions per month

Sep 2020 – Feb 2025

Where it's discussed

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  • Facebook18 posts
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AI synopsis

What people are saying

Multiple discussions demonstrate high engagement with the research, with examples such as references to the 2017 study in @thePeerJ and mentions of artwork by @MarkWitton, showing how the research informs understanding of azhdarchid diversity. The tone is analytical, emphasizing the methodological advances and their implications, which underscores the study's high relevance and influence on paleontology discourse.

AgreementStrong agreement

Most discussions support the study’s findings that certain azhdarchids, like Hatzegopteryx, had shorter necks and could prey on larger animals, indicating broad agreement with the publication's conclusions.

InterestHigh interest

The posts reflect high interest, with references to related research, artwork, and the implications of the findings, showing engagement with the scientific content and its significance.

EngagementModerate engagement

Participants reference specific studies, discuss predatory capabilities, and mention the evolution of understanding in this field, indicating a moderate to high level of engagement.

ImpactHigh impact

These discussions highlight a shift in paleontological perspectives and suggest the research has notable influence on understanding pterosaur diversity and behavior, pointing to a significant impact.

Abstract in brief

  • The study discusses how a newly discovered giant azhdarchid pterosaur from Romania had a shorter, more robust neck than previously thought, contrasting with the typical long-necked structure of these flying reptiles.
  • This pterosaur's neck vertebra was notably thick and sturdy, indicating it was adapted for resisting twisting and compression forces, which suggests a different feeding or lifestyle strategy.
  • The findings imply there was more diversity in azhdarchid pterosaur necks than previously believed, and this particular species likely was a dominant predator in its environment, possibly due to the lack of large terrestrial predators at the time.]

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
Mark Witton (Bluesky: @markwitton.bsky.social)
@MarkWitton · X

Just remembered this presentation opening slide from a talk I gave in 2013. It remains the best piece of art I've ever done. This presentation, after a lot of complications, became the @TetZoo & Witton paper on the short-neck of Hatzegopteryx: https://t.co/kJyoCpPHdw https://t.co/lWAHG7ZhUp

Jan 26, 2022 · 154 likes · 20 shares · 33,187 followers View post →
Darren Naish
@TetZoo · X

This view of Hatzegopteryx is based on research that @MarkWitton and I published in 2017; you can see our paper (which is #OA and was published in @thePeerJ) here… https://t.co/azYXQCldHo The sequence is ultimately based on Mark’s artwork, this image in particular… #azhdarchids https://t.co/nZZYhLFALA

Jun 16, 2023 · 93 likes · 10 shares · 52,489 followers View post →
Darren Naish
@TetZoo · X

This study - Neck biomechanics indicate that giant Transylvanian azhdarchid pterosaurs were short-necked arch predators - is again #OA and was published in @thePeerJ ... https://t.co/azYXQCldHo #azhdarchids #pterosaurs

Nov 25, 2021 · 47 likes · 8 shares · 52,489 followers View post →
Darren Naish
@TetZoo · X

By c 2015 it had become obvious that some giant #azhdarchids - like Hatzegopteryx from Romania - were also 'thick necked'. This has major implications for behaviour and feeding behaviour. Our 2017 paper on this appeared in @thePeerJ .... https://t.co/azYXQCldHo https://t.co/y4LUxWljtP

Sep 13, 2020 · 35 likes · 3 shares · 52,489 followers View post →
Darren Naish
@TetZoo · X

Later work confirmed that #azhdarchids included more diversity than appreciated in 2008. Some forms (like the giant #Hatzegopteryx) were relatively short-necked and apparently able to tackle large prey. @MarkWitton and I published this in @thePeerJ in 2017 https://t.co/azYXQCldHo

May 3, 2022 · 33 likes · 3 shares · 52,489 followers View post →
Darren Naish
@TetZoo · X

@ausar_the @MarkWitton We discuss this in the paper. The answer is yes. As for the predatory abilities of Hatzegopteryx, have you seen Naish & Witton (2017) ... https://t.co/azYXQCldHo

Apr 6, 2023 · 23 likes · 1 share · 52,489 followers View post →

All mentions

Gianmi98Windrunner
@GianmarcoZampe1 · X

RT @TetZoo: This view of Hatzegopteryx is based on research that @MarkWitton and I published in 2017; you can see our paper (which is #OA a…

Jun 20, 2023 · 10 shares · 73 followers View post →
Thomas Clarke-Williams
@Thomas_cw_dino · X

RT @TetZoo: This view of Hatzegopteryx is based on research that @MarkWitton and I published in 2017; you can see our paper (which is #OA a…

Jun 20, 2023 · 10 shares · 150 followers View post →
魔神バアル @
@kaifang365 · X

RT @TetZoo: This view of Hatzegopteryx is based on research that @MarkWitton and I published in 2017; you can see our paper (which is #OA a…

Jun 17, 2023 · 10 shares · 689 followers View post →
Gonzalo Pedrosa Motilla
@GonzaloMotilla · X

RT @TetZoo: This view of Hatzegopteryx is based on research that @MarkWitton and I published in 2017; you can see our paper (which is #OA a…

Jun 17, 2023 · 10 shares · 123 followers View post →
Carmelosaurus
@carmelosaurus · X

RT @TetZoo: This view of Hatzegopteryx is based on research that @MarkWitton and I published in 2017; you can see our paper (which is #OA a…

Jun 17, 2023 · 10 shares · 806 followers View post →
Juan Yu See #FreePalestine
@Juanyudocus · X

RT @TetZoo: This view of Hatzegopteryx is based on research that @MarkWitton and I published in 2017; you can see our paper (which is #OA a…

Jun 16, 2023 · 10 shares · 1,681 followers View post →
Kalany
@kalanyy · X

RT @TetZoo: This view of Hatzegopteryx is based on research that @MarkWitton and I published in 2017; you can see our paper (which is #OA a…

Jun 16, 2023 · 10 shares · 290 followers View post →
TyrannoNoddy
@hulitherium · X

RT @TetZoo: This view of Hatzegopteryx is based on research that @MarkWitton and I published in 2017; you can see our paper (which is #OA a…

Jun 16, 2023 · 10 shares · 812 followers View post →
Marcos K. Pinheiro / "Marcos Wyvern" (Marcosaurus)
@BongMarcosaurus · X

RT @TetZoo: This view of Hatzegopteryx is based on research that @MarkWitton and I published in 2017; you can see our paper (which is #OA a…

Jun 16, 2023 · 10 shares · 1,004 followers View post →
Fang ( Commissions Open)
@Fang83768513 · X

RT @TetZoo: This view of Hatzegopteryx is based on research that @MarkWitton and I published in 2017; you can see our paper (which is #OA a…

Jun 16, 2023 · 10 shares · 1,575 followers View post →
Darren Naish
@TetZoo · X

This view of Hatzegopteryx is based on research that @MarkWitton and I published in 2017; you can see our paper (which is #OA and was published in @thePeerJ) here… https://t.co/azYXQCldHo The sequence is ultimately based on Mark’s artwork, this image in particular… #azhdarchids https://t.co/nZZYhLFALA

Jun 16, 2023 · 93 likes · 10 shares · 52,489 followers View post →
Darren Naish
@TetZoo · X

@ausar_the @MarkWitton We discuss this in the paper. The answer is yes. As for the predatory abilities of Hatzegopteryx, have you seen Naish & Witton (2017) ... https://t.co/azYXQCldHo

Apr 6, 2023 · 23 likes · 1 share · 52,489 followers View post →
Serpentking789
@serpentking7891 · X

RT @MarkWitton: Just remembered this presentation opening slide from a talk I gave in 2013. It remains the best piece of art I've ever done…

Aug 3, 2022 · 20 shares · 181 followers View post →
PeerJ Publishing
@thePeerJ · X

RT @TetZoo: Later work confirmed that #azhdarchids included more diversity than appreciated in 2008. Some forms (like the giant #Hatzegopte…

May 4, 2022 · 3 shares · 20,701 followers View post →
Jon
@ThatPaleoDude · X

RT @TetZoo: Later work confirmed that #azhdarchids included more diversity than appreciated in 2008. Some forms (like the giant #Hatzegopte…

May 3, 2022 · 3 shares · 35 followers View post →
Marcos K. Pinheiro / "Marcos Wyvern" (Marcosaurus)
@BongMarcosaurus · X

RT @TetZoo: Later work confirmed that #azhdarchids included more diversity than appreciated in 2008. Some forms (like the giant #Hatzegopte…

May 3, 2022 · 3 shares · 1,004 followers View post →
Darren Naish
@TetZoo · X

Later work confirmed that #azhdarchids included more diversity than appreciated in 2008. Some forms (like the giant #Hatzegopteryx) were relatively short-necked and apparently able to tackle large prey. @MarkWitton and I published this in @thePeerJ in 2017 https://t.co/azYXQCldHo

May 3, 2022 · 33 likes · 3 shares · 52,489 followers View post →
SirFowlman
@SirFowlman · X

RT @MarkWitton: Just remembered this presentation opening slide from a talk I gave in 2013. It remains the best piece of art I've ever done…

Feb 12, 2022 · 20 shares · 375 followers View post →
queer fish with four legs
@RXTTENFISH · X

RT @MarkWitton: Just remembered this presentation opening slide from a talk I gave in 2013. It remains the best piece of art I've ever done…

Feb 4, 2022 · 20 shares · 319 followers View post →
Thubandactylus. L'Ignito Nefario.
@Thuban_Isesi · X

RT @MarkWitton: Just remembered this presentation opening slide from a talk I gave in 2013. It remains the best piece of art I've ever done…

Jan 26, 2022 · 20 shares · 741 followers View post →
Felicita jueves
@maderhombre · X

RT @MarkWitton: Just remembered this presentation opening slide from a talk I gave in 2013. It remains the best piece of art I've ever done…

Jan 26, 2022 · 20 shares · 86 followers View post →
VelociTrevor
@VelociTrevor · X

RT @MarkWitton: Just remembered this presentation opening slide from a talk I gave in 2013. It remains the best piece of art I've ever done…

Jan 26, 2022 · 20 shares · 161 followers View post →
James Conlon
@raygathex · X

RT @MarkWitton: Just remembered this presentation opening slide from a talk I gave in 2013. It remains the best piece of art I've ever done…

Jan 26, 2022 · 20 shares · 233 followers View post →
TerribleLizard
@nbtapioles · X

RT @MarkWitton: Just remembered this presentation opening slide from a talk I gave in 2013. It remains the best piece of art I've ever done…

Jan 26, 2022 · 20 shares · 949 followers View post →
ガイス
@shitake_reverse · X

RT @MarkWitton: Just remembered this presentation opening slide from a talk I gave in 2013. It remains the best piece of art I've ever done…

Jan 26, 2022 · 20 shares · 3,469 followers View post →
Cl1FF
@Cl1ffDynos · X

RT @MarkWitton: Just remembered this presentation opening slide from a talk I gave in 2013. It remains the best piece of art I've ever done…

Jan 26, 2022 · 20 shares · 279 followers View post →
RickRaptor105
@RickRaptor105 · X

RT @MarkWitton: Just remembered this presentation opening slide from a talk I gave in 2013. It remains the best piece of art I've ever done…

Jan 26, 2022 · 20 shares · 5,783 followers View post →
Vale Nagle
@KValeNagle · X

RT @MarkWitton: Just remembered this presentation opening slide from a talk I gave in 2013. It remains the best piece of art I've ever done…

Jan 26, 2022 · 20 shares · 979 followers View post →
TroodonVet (C0mms open)
@troodonvet · X

RT @MarkWitton: Just remembered this presentation opening slide from a talk I gave in 2013. It remains the best piece of art I've ever done…

Jan 26, 2022 · 20 shares · 5,406 followers View post →
Enbyraptor newyorkensis
@bluestars1999 · X

RT @MarkWitton: Just remembered this presentation opening slide from a talk I gave in 2013. It remains the best piece of art I've ever done…

Jan 26, 2022 · 20 shares · 98 followers View post →
Juan Yu See #FreePalestine
@Juanyudocus · X

RT @MarkWitton: Just remembered this presentation opening slide from a talk I gave in 2013. It remains the best piece of art I've ever done…

Jan 26, 2022 · 20 shares · 1,681 followers View post →
Darren Naish
@TetZoo · X

RT @MarkWitton: Just remembered this presentation opening slide from a talk I gave in 2013. It remains the best piece of art I've ever done…

Jan 26, 2022 · 20 shares · 52,489 followers View post →
rory
@aurora_f · X

RT @MarkWitton: Just remembered this presentation opening slide from a talk I gave in 2013. It remains the best piece of art I've ever done…

Jan 26, 2022 · 20 shares · 1,408 followers View post →
Mark Witton (Bluesky: @markwitton.bsky.social)
@MarkWitton · X

Just remembered this presentation opening slide from a talk I gave in 2013. It remains the best piece of art I've ever done. This presentation, after a lot of complications, became the @TetZoo & Witton paper on the short-neck of Hatzegopteryx: https://t.co/kJyoCpPHdw https://t.co/lWAHG7ZhUp

Jan 26, 2022 · 154 likes · 20 shares · 33,187 followers View post →
Biological Journal of the Linnean Society
@BiolJLinnSoc · X

RT @TetZoo: This study - Neck biomechanics indicate that giant Transylvanian azhdarchid pterosaurs were short-necked arch predators - is ag…

Nov 29, 2021 · 8 shares · 2,383 followers View post →
PeerJ Publishing
@thePeerJ · X

RT @TetZoo: This study - Neck biomechanics indicate that giant Transylvanian azhdarchid pterosaurs were short-necked arch predators - is ag…

Nov 29, 2021 · 8 shares · 20,701 followers View post →
Jason Gilchrist
@jgilchrist13 · X

RT @TetZoo: This study - Neck biomechanics indicate that giant Transylvanian azhdarchid pterosaurs were short-necked arch predators - is ag…

Nov 25, 2021 · 8 shares · 2,673 followers View post →
Eli BS
@HalcyonTraveler · X

RT @TetZoo: This study - Neck biomechanics indicate that giant Transylvanian azhdarchid pterosaurs were short-necked arch predators - is ag…

Nov 25, 2021 · 8 shares · 705 followers View post →
Sharptooth Shabazz
@YBankole02 · X

RT @TetZoo: This study - Neck biomechanics indicate that giant Transylvanian azhdarchid pterosaurs were short-necked arch predators - is ag…

Nov 25, 2021 · 8 shares · 826 followers View post →
Darren Naish
@TetZoo · X

This study - Neck biomechanics indicate that giant Transylvanian azhdarchid pterosaurs were short-necked arch predators - is again #OA and was published in @thePeerJ ... https://t.co/azYXQCldHo #azhdarchids #pterosaurs

Nov 25, 2021 · 47 likes · 8 shares · 52,489 followers View post →
冠龍 諸々を執筆中
@Guanlong_wucaii · X

@wowkitsunezaru_ 『Neck biomechanics indicate that giant Transylvanian azhdarchid pterosaurs were short-necked arch predators』2017 https://t.co/dgGUT58psj 例えば近縁のハツェゴプテリクスは、頸椎の研究から獰猛な捕食者だとはされています。 しかし、アズダルコ科の嘴にカギ状の鋭さはありません (続)

Aug 31, 2021 · 2 likes · 2,177 followers View post →
FrecklesXX20
@FrecklesXX20 · X

RT @TetZoo: By c 2015 it had become obvious that some giant #azhdarchids - like Hatzegopteryx from Romania - were also 'thick necked'. This…

Sep 14, 2020 · 3 shares · 6,487 followers View post →
Jonathan
@Sontar22 · X

RT @TetZoo: By c 2015 it had become obvious that some giant #azhdarchids - like Hatzegopteryx from Romania - were also 'thick necked'. This…

Sep 13, 2020 · 3 shares · 362 followers View post →
PeerJ Publishing
@thePeerJ · X

RT @TetZoo: By c 2015 it had become obvious that some giant #azhdarchids - like Hatzegopteryx from Romania - were also 'thick necked'. This…

Sep 13, 2020 · 3 shares · 20,701 followers View post →
Darren Naish
@TetZoo · X

By c 2015 it had become obvious that some giant #azhdarchids - like Hatzegopteryx from Romania - were also 'thick necked'. This has major implications for behaviour and feeding behaviour. Our 2017 paper on this appeared in @thePeerJ .... https://t.co/azYXQCldHo https://t.co/y4LUxWljtP

Sep 13, 2020 · 35 likes · 3 shares · 52,489 followers View post →