J Anat January 2018 PMID 29114853

The evolution of the manus of early theropod dinosaurs is characterized by high inter- and intraspecific variation.

Daniel E Barta, Sterling J Nesbitt, Mark A Norell

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Mentions

Peak: 5 in Jul 2022

across 4 sources since Sep 2019

Extended reach

126,403

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Sep 2019 – May 2024

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AI synopsis

What people are saying

The discussions reflect an interest in the anatomical variability of early theropod hands, with several posts citing specific fossils and studies, such as the variation in carpals among Coelophysis specimens, exemplifying both curiosity and support for the research. The tone shifts between technical references and general curiosity, illustrating moderate engagement and acknowledgment of the research's potential implications for understanding dinosaur evolution.

AgreementModerate agreement

Most social discussions support the idea that hand variation in early theropods is significant, especially with references to the original research and comparative studies.

InterestHigh interest

Participants show strong curiosity about how this research challenges traditional views on dinosaur evolution, evidenced by their focus on anatomical details and variation within species.

EngagementModerate engagement

Posts engage on multiple levels, discussing specific fossil evidence, individual variation, and implications for evolutionary relationships, implying a moderate depth of interaction.

ImpactModerate impact

While the discussions highlight scientific nuances, they generally deem the findings important but not revolutionary, indicating a modest perceived impact.

Abstract in brief

The study explores how the hand (manus) in early theropod dinosaurs evolved with significant variation both between and within species, focusing on the transition from five to four fingers and changes in wrist bones (carpals).
Using advanced 3D imaging (CT scans), the researchers examined fossils of Triassic and Early Jurassic theropods like Coelophysis bauri and Megapnosaurus rhodesiensis, uncovering new anatomical features such as ossified wrist bones and a vestigial fifth metacarpal, which shed light on the complex evolution of their hands.
The findings highlight the high variability in carpal bones among early dinosaurs, cautioning scientists against using carpal features alone for precise evolutionary relationships within archosauromorphs, and suggesting that early changes in the wrist may have influenced later hand modifications in the lineage leading to birds.]

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