For years, paleontologists have debated the intelligence of dinosaurs. New research throws cold water on the idea that dinosaurs were as smart as monkeys.
Previous Claims of High Dinosaur Intelligence
A 2023 study suggested dinosaurs like Tyrannosaurus rex boasted an exceptional number of neurons, potentially indicating high intelligence, complex social behaviors, and even tool use.
Rethinking the Evidence
However, a recent study published in The Anatomical Record by an international team challenges these claims. The researchers, led by Dr. Kai Caspar (Heinrich Heine University), re-evaluated methods used to estimate brain size and neuron count in dinosaurs. They found that prior assumptions about brain size, and consequently neuron numbers, were inaccurate.
Fossil Fallacies
Traditionally, scientists relied on mineral fillings within the dinosaur skull (endocasts) and the skull cavity’s shape to estimate brain size. This new study suggests these methods overestimated brain size, particularly the forebrain, leading to inflated neuron count estimates.
Moving Beyond Neurons
The researchers emphasize the need for a broader approach to understanding dinosaur intelligence. They recommend considering factors like skeletal structure, bone growth patterns, behaviors of living relatives, and trace fossils (dinosaur footprints etc.) to create a more complete picture.
The Verdict: Smart Crocodiles, Not Brainy Baboons
The study concludes that dinosaurs were likely no intellectual giants. While they may have been smarter than your average reptile, they probably weren’t planning complex hunts or passing down wisdom through the generations. Dr. Darren Naish (University of Southampton) sums it up: “They were more like smart giant crocodiles, and that’s just as fascinating.”
