# Movie-Inspired Dino Names The Newly Found Ancient Flying Reptile is Named After an Avatar Creature By Alyson Wyers | Published 2014-09-18 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/avatar-creature References: [theverge](http://www.theverge.com/2014/9/15/6151687/scientists-name-new-dinosaur-after-ikran-from-avatar-pterosaur) & [reuters](http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/09/11/us-science-avatar-idUSKBN0H62HP20140911) Between epic romances like Titanic and the beauty of an Avatar creature, filmmaker James Cameron has had a significant impact on popular culture. Most recently, a group of scientists from China turned to the popular 2009 science fiction film Avatar when it came time to name their [fossil discovery](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dinosaur-fossil). Paleontologists from the [Chinese Academy of Sciences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smart-saddle) named the ancient [flying dinosaur](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dinodex) 'Ikrandraci avatar' which translates to 'the Ikran dragon from Avatar.' The blue dragon-like Avatar creature was what the Na'vi rode in battle in the movie. The scientists believe the Ikran-named pterosaurs had a throat pouch similar to a pelican and a wingspan of around 8 feet. They also have an "Ikran-like crest" located on the lower jaw. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.5/10 - Popularity: 20% | Activity: 47% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha, Millennial - Top markets: Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Science](https://www.trendhunter.com/science) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Movie-inspired Dino Names:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Collaborations between filmmakers and scientists to create engaging educational content about newly discovered fossils. - **Popular Culture Influencing Scientific Naming:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Exploring the intersection of pop culture and scientific research to engage a wider audience and foster interest in paleontology. - **Integration of Fiction and Reality:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Developing immersive experiences that merge fictional worlds with scientific discoveries, blurring the lines between entertainment and education. ### Where This Applies - **Film and Entertainment:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Incorporating scientific concepts and discoveries in movies and TV shows to inspire curiosity and interest in scientific fields. - **Education:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Creating interactive educational materials that merge popular culture references with scientific knowledge, making learning more engaging and relatable. - **Paleontology:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Leveraging pop culture phenomena to draw attention to paleontology and promote new research initiatives. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Outer-Worldly Alien Film Trailers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-way-of-water.md) - [Sci-Fi Movie Treats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/avatarthemed-eggs.md) - [Sci-Fi Movie Figurine Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lego-2.md) - [AI-Powered Dinosaur Tracking Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dinosaur-footprints.md) - [Blueish Film-Inspired Cereals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pandora-flakes-cereal.md) - [Dino-Themed Water Cartons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/boxed-water-cartons.md) - [Fantastical Fast Food Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/how-to-train-your-dragon-menu.md) - [Movie-Inspired Dragon Puzzle Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/toothless-model.md) - [Interactive Hatching Dinosaur Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dinosaur-toys.md)