Dinosaur fossils predict body temperatures
2006
Dinosaur Body Temperatures
Sample size: 8
publication
Evidence: high
Author Information
Author(s): Gillooly James F, Allen Andrew P, Charnov Eric L
Primary Institution: University of Florida
Hypothesis
Did dinosaur body temperatures increase with body size?
Conclusion
The study provides direct evidence that dinosaurs were reptiles whose body temperatures increased systematically with body size.
Supporting Evidence
- The model predicts that dinosaur body temperatures increased with body mass from approximately 25 °C at 12 kg to approximately 41 °C at 13,000 kg.
- The model successfully predicts observed increases in body temperature with body mass for extant crocodiles.
- The results suggest that the smallest dinosaurs had temperatures close to environmental temperatures.
Takeaway
This study shows that bigger dinosaurs were warmer, just like how bigger animals today can be warmer than smaller ones.
Methodology
The study used ontogenetic growth trajectories from fossil bones to estimate dinosaur body temperatures.
Limitations
The model may not account for all variables affecting body temperature in dinosaurs.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.01
Confidence Interval
95% confidence intervals: 0.58–0.84
Statistical Significance
p<0.01
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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