On Pachycephalosaurs, Trade-Offs, and the Historical Genesis of Sociosexual Display Structures

The American Naturalist 2026

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Authors: Louis-Philippe Bateman, Hans C. E. Larsson
DOI: 10.1086/740811
Cited by: 0
References: 38

Abstract

, another marginocephalian. We interpret that the dome constrained pachycephalosaurs to a more plesiomorphic dentition and low-fiber herbivore niche. This may constitute one of the first examples of a sociosexual display structure constraining the evolution of feeding traits. This research also highlights the unclear historical genesis of sociosexually selected structures, especially as to whether they are beneficial structures, costly structures, or "opulent" structures at their most incipient stages.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Animal Behavior and Reproduction Paleontology and Evolutionary Biology Evolutionary Psychology and Human Behavior

Publication details

Journal / source
The American Naturalist
Volume
208
Issue
1
Pages
9–29
Publication date
6 February 2026
Language
EN