Modeling Dragons: Using linked mechanistic physiological and microclimate models to explore environmental, physiological, and morphological constraints on the early evolution of dinosaurs.

David M Lovelace, Scott A Hartman, Paul D Mathewson, Benjamin J Linzmeier, Warren P Porter

July 2020

Synopsis of Social media discussions

The overall tone is supportive and intrigued, with many posts emphasizing the novel use of mechanistic modeling in paleontology, such as calling the paper 'exciting' or 'groundbreaking', and citing specific methods like Niche Mapper, which demonstrates deep engagement and recognition of its potential impact.

A
Agreement
 Moderate agreement

Most discussions express support or positive recognition of the research, such as calling it the 'first' of its kind or highlighting its significance in understanding dinosaur evolution.

I
Interest
 High level of interest

Posts show high curiosity, with many references to the novelty and importance of the modeling approach, reflecting strong engagement with the topic.

E
Engagement
 Moderate level of engagement

Numerous comments cite the methodology, such as the use of Niche Mapper, and discuss its implications, indicating thoughtful participation.

I
Impact
 Moderate level of impact

The widespread sharing, quoting, and praise suggest the research could influence future studies and understanding of dinosaur physiology and evolution.

Social Mentions

YouTube

2 Videos

Facebook

1 Posts

Twitter

63 Posts

Reddit

12 Posts

Metrics

Video Views

757,970

Total Likes

25,608

Extended Reach

1,099,201

Social Features

78

Timeline: Posts about article

Top Social Media Posts

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96,560 views

  • Fang ( Commissions Open)
    @Fang83768513 (Twitter)

    RT @deak_michael: We then used Niche Mapper to model climate and thermal stresses in four ground sloth genera. @PaleoBadger and @skeletaldr…
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    November 6, 2025

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  • ConnorBoy's Paleo Page
    @ConnorPaleoPage (Twitter)

    @MbvBaryonix @DAKKADAKKA1 Found it, I think! Don't have time atm to read through it, but I'm pretty sure this is it https://t.co/CzfTXRnnsm
    view full post

    July 21, 2025

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  • Fang ( Commissions Open)
    @Fang83768513 (Twitter)

    RT @deak_michael: We then used Niche Mapper to model climate and thermal stresses in four ground sloth genera. @PaleoBadger and @skeletaldr…
    view full post

    January 15, 2025

    2

  • Michael Deak
    @deak_michael (Twitter)

    We then used Niche Mapper to model climate and thermal stresses in four ground sloth genera. @PaleoBadger and @skeletaldrawing did a wonderful paper on this back in 2020 on using Niche Mapper in deep time, specifically with Late Triassic dinosaurs. https://t.co/BvYcWaubBw
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    January 14, 2025

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  • Audrey Cardin
    @audrey_cardin (Twitter)

    RT @deak_michael: @TalesofKaimere @TheCentralObse1 @LizardManMeyer Biophysical modeling suggests that fuzz was a physiological necessity fo…
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    January 8, 2025

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  • Joesph T. Spillane
    @Tigerbird68 (Twitter)

    RT @deak_michael: @TalesofKaimere @TheCentralObse1 @LizardManMeyer Biophysical modeling suggests that fuzz was a physiological necessity fo…
    view full post

    January 5, 2025

    5

  • Mid
    @TheCentralObse1 (Twitter)

    RT @deak_michael: @TalesofKaimere @TheCentralObse1 @LizardManMeyer Biophysical modeling suggests that fuzz was a physiological necessity fo…
    view full post

    January 4, 2025

    5

  • Augustus Sean Villanueva
    @augustus_sean (Twitter)

    RT @deak_michael: @TalesofKaimere @TheCentralObse1 @LizardManMeyer Biophysical modeling suggests that fuzz was a physiological necessity fo…
    view full post

    January 4, 2025

    5

  • Keenan Taylor's Tales of Kaimere | He/Him
    @TalesofKaimere (Twitter)

    RT @deak_michael: @TalesofKaimere @TheCentralObse1 @LizardManMeyer Biophysical modeling suggests that fuzz was a physiological necessity fo…
    view full post

    January 4, 2025

    5

  • Michael Deak
    @deak_michael (Twitter)

    @TalesofKaimere @TheCentralObse1 @LizardManMeyer Biophysical modeling suggests that fuzz was a physiological necessity for Coelophysis. We just need someone to find a terrestrial Triassic laggerstatte deposit to be sure. https://t.co/BvYcWaubBw
    view full post

    January 4, 2025

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  • 冠龍 諸々を執筆中
    @Guanlong_wucaii (Twitter)

    "Modeling Dragons: Using linked mechanistic physiological and microclimate models to explore environmental, physiological, and morphological constraints on the early evolution of dinosaurs." 著者] David M. Lovelace & Scott A. Hartman, et al. https://t.co/6aXVB4f8W0
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    April 26, 2023

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  • Ivan Kwan
    @Varanussalvator (Twitter)

    RT @skeletaldrawing: Along the way there were conference presentations, some mis-steps, but after lots trial and error (and LOTS of sensiti…
    view full post

    November 14, 2022

    2

  • Marcos K. Pinheiro / "Marcos Wyvern" (Marcosaurus)
    @BongMarcosaurus (Twitter)

    RT @skeletaldrawing: Along the way there were conference presentations, some mis-steps, but after lots trial and error (and LOTS of sensiti…
    view full post

    November 12, 2022

    2

  • Scott Hartman
    @skeletaldrawing (Twitter)

    Along the way there were conference presentations, some mis-steps, but after lots trial and error (and LOTS of sensitivity analysis) we published the first Mesozoic use of Niche Mapper for Coelophysis and Plateosaurus in 2020 https://t.co/6M9qSqyAYH (7/17)
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    November 12, 2022

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  • 冠龍 諸々を執筆中
    @Guanlong_wucaii (Twitter)

    @yamamotoyama555 例えば古環境の研究では、道中にコエロフィシスとプラテオサウルスの代謝を求めてる部分がありましたよ https://t.co/6aXVB3WZHS
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    May 5, 2021

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  • Chimney
    @BeardyMan1983 (Twitter)

    https://t.co/Mg4aqcrSna
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    January 17, 2021

  • ᛬ᛝ᛫Jackie-Lynn | Ingwine Bædling᛫ᛝ᛬
    @_emosaurus_ (Twitter)

    @jimmadseni I think the same thing. Especially after I read this https://t.co/0un4tBjJcF
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    June 30, 2020

    1

  • Rosa for QSP
    @RosaQSP (Twitter)

    Your Friday fun read: Modeling Dragons: Using linked mechanistic physiological and microclimate models to explore environmental, physiological, and morphological constraints on the early evolution of dinosaurs https://t.co/to8Ih9D772 #dragons #dinosaurs https://t.co/j27sQAL6Tn
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    June 5, 2020

  • とよけらとぷす
    @rex_toyo (Twitter)

    論文へのリンク https://t.co/mempkYPsxv
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    June 5, 2020

    1

  • 恐竜好き82太郎
    @Y82da (Twitter)

    RT @NicholasWuNZ: Mechanistic niche modelling has become so common now that researchers are using it to predict the environmental, physiolo…
    view full post

    June 4, 2020

    14

  • 青柳
    @FBWM8888 (Twitter)

    RT @NicholasWuNZ: Mechanistic niche modelling has become so common now that researchers are using it to predict the environmental, physiolo…
    view full post

    June 4, 2020

    14

  • Harrison Brand
    @BrandHarrison (Twitter)

    Modeling Dragons: Using linked mechanistic physiological and microclimate models to explore environmental, physiological, and morphological constraints on the early evolution of dinosaurs https://t.co/nxB47guwpc
    view full post

    June 4, 2020

  • Dr. Ben Linzmeier
    @Delta18O (Twitter)

    RT @UWGeologyMuseum: Check out this new modeling paper on early dinosaurs from our very own @PaleoBadger: "Modeling Dragons..." exploring h…
    view full post

    June 1, 2020

    5

  • Scott Hartman
    @skeletaldrawing (Twitter)

    RT @UWGeologyMuseum: Check out this new modeling paper on early dinosaurs from our very own @PaleoBadger: "Modeling Dragons..." exploring h…
    view full post

    June 1, 2020

    5

  • Carrie Eaton
    @carrieeaton (Twitter)

    RT @UWGeologyMuseum: Check out this new modeling paper on early dinosaurs from our very own @PaleoBadger: "Modeling Dragons..." exploring h…
    view full post

    June 1, 2020

    5

  • UW Geology Museum
    @UWGeologyMuseum (Twitter)

    Check out this new modeling paper on early dinosaurs from our very own @PaleoBadger: "Modeling Dragons..." exploring how physiology and the environment influences the early evolution of dinosaurs from the Triassic! @uwgeoscience @skeletaldrawing @Delta18O https://t.co/09BgI1ki20
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    June 1, 2020

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  • ryu-caracal
    @ShinraSafari (Twitter)

    RT @NicholasWuNZ: Mechanistic niche modelling has become so common now that researchers are using it to predict the environmental, physiolo…
    view full post

    June 1, 2020

    14

  • Biscuit Birb
    @MrAcheroraptor (Twitter)

    RT @NicholasWuNZ: Mechanistic niche modelling has become so common now that researchers are using it to predict the environmental, physiolo…
    view full post

    May 31, 2020

    14

  • Nikki S. Sieli.
    @NSieli (Twitter)

    RT @NicholasWuNZ: Mechanistic niche modelling has become so common now that researchers are using it to predict the environmental, physiolo…
    view full post

    May 31, 2020

    14

  • ⛅ Nimbo ⛅
    @Lighterium (Twitter)

    RT @NicholasWuNZ: Mechanistic niche modelling has become so common now that researchers are using it to predict the environmental, physiolo…
    view full post

    May 31, 2020

    14

  • Wyatt-Andrews-Workshop
    @wa_workshop (Twitter)

    RT @NicholasWuNZ: Mechanistic niche modelling has become so common now that researchers are using it to predict the environmental, physiolo…
    view full post

    May 31, 2020

    14

  • SpinelessChordate
    @alfaizinsakit (Twitter)

    RT @NicholasWuNZ: Mechanistic niche modelling has become so common now that researchers are using it to predict the environmental, physiolo…
    view full post

    May 31, 2020

    14


  • @mfkayenne (Twitter)

    RT @NicholasWuNZ: Mechanistic niche modelling has become so common now that researchers are using it to predict the environmental, physiolo…
    view full post

    May 31, 2020

    14

  • ｶﾞｲｽ
    @shitake_reverse (Twitter)

    RT @NicholasWuNZ: Mechanistic niche modelling has become so common now that researchers are using it to predict the environmental, physiolo…
    view full post

    May 30, 2020

    14

  • David Walker
    @Bio_ecologist (Twitter)

    RT @NicholasWuNZ: Mechanistic niche modelling has become so common now that researchers are using it to predict the environmental, physiolo…
    view full post

    May 30, 2020

    14

  • Jayce The Creature Creator
    @CreatorJayce (Twitter)

    RT @NicholasWuNZ: Mechanistic niche modelling has become so common now that researchers are using it to predict the environmental, physiolo…
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    May 30, 2020

    14

  • Anax-Junius
    @junius_anax (Twitter)

    RT @NicholasWuNZ: Mechanistic niche modelling has become so common now that researchers are using it to predict the environmental, physiolo…
    view full post

    May 30, 2020

    14

  • Scott Hartman
    @skeletaldrawing (Twitter)

    RT @NicholasWuNZ: Mechanistic niche modelling has become so common now that researchers are using it to predict the environmental, physiolo…
    view full post

    May 30, 2020

    14

  • Julianne Kiely - Commissions Open
    @PalaeoJules (Twitter)

    RT @skeletaldrawing: It's finally out! https://t.co/6M9qSqy399
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    May 30, 2020

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  • Mario
    @L_ssar (Twitter)

    RT @skeletaldrawing: It's finally out! https://t.co/6M9qSqy399
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    May 30, 2020

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  • Meig Dickson MSc ✡️
    @DinosaurBiology (Twitter)

    RT @skeletaldrawing: It's finally out! https://t.co/6M9qSqy399
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    May 30, 2020

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  • Alfi Rizky R. | Yuri Frontier 2026
    @AlfiRizkyR (Twitter)

    RT @skeletaldrawing: It's finally out! https://t.co/6M9qSqy399
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    May 30, 2020

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    @Midiaou7 (Twitter)

    RT @skeletaldrawing: It's finally out! https://t.co/6M9qSqy399
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    May 30, 2020

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  • Nicholas Wu
    @NicholasWuNZ (Twitter)

    Mechanistic niche modelling has become so common now that researchers are using it to predict the environmental, physiological, & morphological constraints of early dinosaurs! @PaleoBadger @skeletaldrawing https://t.co/CHxLKL2SKZ https://t.co/blmRMKoUH4
    view full post

    May 30, 2020

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  • Professor John R. Hutchinson
    @JohnRHutchinson (Twitter)

    RT @skeletaldrawing: It's finally out! https://t.co/6M9qSqy399
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    May 30, 2020

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  • Kuzco
    @Kuzco297 (Twitter)

    RT @TomHoltzPaleo: #PLOSONE: Modeling Dragons: Using linked mechanistic physiological and microclimate models to explore environ ... https:…
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    May 30, 2020

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  • Juan Yu See #FreePalestine
    @Juanyudocus (Twitter)

    RT @skeletaldrawing: It's finally out! https://t.co/6M9qSqy399
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    May 29, 2020

    17

  • Eric Dolha
    @FriEric (Twitter)

    RT @TomHoltzPaleo: #PLOSONE: Modeling Dragons: Using linked mechanistic physiological and microclimate models to explore environ ... https:…
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    May 29, 2020

    3

  • African Synchrotron
    @AfSynchrotron (Twitter)

    Modeling Dragons: Using linked mechanistic physiological and microclimate models to explore environmental, physiological, and morphological constraints on the early evolution of dinosaurs https://t.co/DTsMDsGCSB via @PLOSOne https://t.co/2u0aMuwwPD
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    May 29, 2020

  • randompaleonerd
    @randompaleonerd (Twitter)

    RT @skeletaldrawing: It's finally out! https://t.co/6M9qSqy399
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    May 29, 2020

    17

  • Dr. Oliver Demuth
    @OliverDemuth (Twitter)

    RT @skeletaldrawing: It's finally out! https://t.co/6M9qSqy399
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    May 29, 2020

    17

  • Justin (정환)
    @justin_an74 (Twitter)

    RT @skeletaldrawing: It's finally out! https://t.co/6M9qSqy399
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    May 29, 2020

    17

  • Justin (정환)
    @justin_an74 (Twitter)

    RT @TomHoltzPaleo: #PLOSONE: Modeling Dragons: Using linked mechanistic physiological and microclimate models to explore environ ... https:…
    view full post

    May 29, 2020

    3

  • Thomas R. Holtz, Jr.
    @TomHoltzPaleo (Twitter)

    #PLOSONE: Modeling Dragons: Using linked mechanistic physiological and microclimate models to explore environ ... https://t.co/KH7IvQGLVd
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    May 29, 2020

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    @ShadowclawFC (Twitter)

    RT @skeletaldrawing: It's finally out! https://t.co/6M9qSqy399
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    @JSalasIIDinos (Twitter)

    RT @skeletaldrawing: It's finally out! https://t.co/6M9qSqy399
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  • Marcos K. Pinheiro / "Marcos Wyvern" (Marcosaurus)
    @BongMarcosaurus (Twitter)

    RT @skeletaldrawing: It's finally out! https://t.co/6M9qSqy399
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    May 29, 2020

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    @JP_Terror (Twitter)

    RT @skeletaldrawing: It's finally out! https://t.co/6M9qSqy399
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  • Melanie During, PhD. ⛏
    @MelanieDuring (Twitter)

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    @skeletaldrawing (Twitter)

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    @theGdragonboi (Twitter)

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    October 3, 2019

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  • bxv_paleon
    @bxv_palaeon (Twitter)

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  • bioRxiv
    @biorxivpreprint (Twitter)

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  • When did feathers evolve in dinosaurs, pterosaurs, and birds?

    https://journals.plos. org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal. pone.0223872. journals.plos.org. Modeling Dragons: Using linked mechanistic ...
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    April 19, 2024

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  • Reminder that ALL dinosaur groups potentially had feathered ...

    https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0223872. It should also be noted that filamentous integument can be found ...
    view full post

    October 16, 2022

    Reddit

  • Lembre-se que TODOS os grupos de dinossauros potencialmente ...

    https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0223872. Também deve ser observado que o tegumento filamentoso pode ser ...
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    October 16, 2022

    Reddit

  • How can I improve on the anatomy of these Coelophysis? : r ...

    ... the article. Ranak04. • 4y ago · https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0223872 · u/Akavakaku avatar · Akavakaku.
    view full post

    May 20, 2022

    Reddit

  • 我怎么才能改进这些腔骨龙的解剖结构呢？ : r/Paleontology

    ... 一篇关于这篇文章的链接。 Ranak04. • 4年前 · https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0223872 · Akavakaku. • 4年前.
    view full post

    May 20, 2022

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  • Hur kan jag förbättra anatomin hos dessa Coelophysis? : r ...

    ... länk till artikeln. Ranak04. • för 4 år sen · https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0223872 · Akavakaku. • för 4 år ...
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    May 20, 2022

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  • Hoe kan ik de anatomie van deze Coelophysis verbeteren? : r ...

    https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0223872 · Akavakaku. • 4 jaar geleden.
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  • Как я могу улучшить анатомию этих целофизисов? : r/Paleontology

    Вот ссылка на статью. Ranak04. • 4 г. назад · https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0223872 · Akavakaku. • 4 г.
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    May 20, 2022

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  • Wie kann ich die Anatomie dieser Coelophysis verbessern? : r ...

    ... Link zum Artikel. Ranak04. • vor 4 Jahren · https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0223872 · Akavakaku. • vor 4 ...
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    May 20, 2022

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  • Come posso migliorare l'anatomia di questi Coelophysis? : r ...

    Ecco un link all'articolo. Ranak04. • 4 anni fa · https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0223872 · Akavakaku. • 4 ...
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    May 20, 2022

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  • これらのコエロフィシスの解剖学をどうすれば改善できる？ : r ...

    https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0223872 · Akavakaku. • 4 年前.
    view full post

    May 20, 2022

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  • ฉันจะปรับปรุงกายวิภาคของโคอีโลไฟซิสเหล่านี้ได้อย่างไร : r/Paleontology

    ... บ้าไปแล้ว นี่คือ ลิงก์ไปยังบทความ. Ranak04. • 4 ปีที่แล้ว · https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0223872 · Akavakaku. • 4 ปีที่แล้ว.
    view full post

    May 20, 2022

    Reddit

  • ¿Cómo puedo mejorar la anatomía de estos Coelophysis? : r ...

    ... enlace al artículo. Ranak04. • hace 4 a · https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0223872 · Akavakaku. • hace 4 a.
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    May 20, 2022

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Abstract Synopsis

  • The study used the Niche Mapper software to analyze the metabolic rates of Late Triassic dinosaurs, specifically Plateosaurus and Coelophysis, under different paleoenvironmental conditions at 12°N paleolatitude.
  • Results indicated these dinosaurs likely had elevated, ratite-like metabolic rates with intermediate core temperatures, suggesting they were physiologically adapted to their environments.
  • The findings imply small theropods may have needed insulation in temperate climates, whereas larger prosauropods could have been heat-stressed in open, hot environments, favoring cooler microclimates and explaining their scarce fossil record at certain latitudes.]