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image/svg+xml Jakob Voss, based on art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina and Beao Closed Access logo, derived from PLoS Open Access logo. This version with transparent background. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Closed_Access_logo_transparent.svg Jakob Voss, based on art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina and Beao
Nature
Article . 1979 . Peer-reviewed
License: Springer TDM
Data sources: Crossref
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Growth rings in dinosaur teeth

Authors: PAUL A. JOHNSTON;

Growth rings in dinosaur teeth

Abstract

ANNUAL growth rings are often found in the skeletal tissues of Recent and fossil ectothermic vertebrates1,2. These rings are usually attributed to the inability of ectotherms to maintain high levels of activity, feeding and growth during adverse times, such as dry seasons in tropical areas and cold seasons at higher, more temperate latitudes1. In endothermic vertebrates, however, the efficient production of endogenous heat results in a relatively constant body temperature, and high activity and feeding levels are more easily sustained. Consequently, the growth of skeletal tissues in these animals is less sensitive to seasonal variations than in ectotherms, and annulations are rare except in species living under severe seasonal regimes3,4. Many workers have proposed that dinosaurs were endothermic, as are all living mammals and birds, rather than ectothermic, as are all living reptiles3,5–10. In accordance with this hypothesis, pronounced seasonal growth rings have not been observed in the calcified tissues of dinosaurs5,6. However, here I report the discovery of such rings in the teeth of diverse Late Cretaceous dinosaurs.

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selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
23
Average
Top 10%
Top 10%
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