New Research Suggests T-Rex Was Less Intelligent Than Previously Believed
A recent study conducted by an international research team has challenged previous beliefs about the intelligence of Tyrannosaurus rex (T-rex) dinosaurs. Contrary to popular thought, the researchers found that T-rex dinosaurs were not as intelligent as previously assumed, behaving more like crocodiles and lizards.
The research, which involved behavioral scientists, paleontologists, and neurologists from various universities including the University of Bristol and the University of Southampton in England, Heinrich-Heine University in Germany, and the University of Alberta in Canada, examined the techniques used to estimate dinosaurs’ brain sizes and neuron numbers.
The team discovered that previous estimates of dinosaurs’ brain sizes and neuron numbers were unreliable. They concluded that dinosaurs’ forebrain sizes were overestimated, their neuron numbers were exaggerated, and that they exhibited behaviors similar to crocodiles and lizards. This goes against the notion that T-rex dinosaurs were highly intelligent creatures.
Lead researcher Hady George from the University of Bristol emphasized that neuron number estimates are not a reliable indicator of intelligence. Instead, a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including skeletal anatomy, bone tissue, behavior of living relatives, and fossil evidence, is necessary to understand the biology of extinct species accurately.
Dr. Ornella Bertrand from the University of Edinburgh also highlighted the limitations of using neuron numbers as predictors of cognitive performance. She cautioned against relying solely on neuron estimates to determine the intelligence of extinct animals, as this could lead to misleading interpretations.
Overall, the study suggests that T-rex dinosaurs may not have been as intelligent as once thought, shedding new light on our understanding of these ancient creatures. The research emphasizes the importance of considering a wide range of evidence to reconstruct the intelligence of extinct species accurately.
