Challenging the Dinosaur Intelligence Paradigm: A New Study Suggests T. Rex Behaved More Like Crocodiles Than Previously Thought
A new study conducted by researchers from the University of Bristol challenges the previously held belief that dinosaurs were as intelligent as reptiles. The research suggests that Tyrannosaurus rex, in particular, behaved more like crocodiles and lizards than previously thought.
In contrast to a recent study conducted at Vanderbilt University, which proposed that Tyrannosaurus rex had a large number of neurons, making them significantly smarter than assumed, the new study published in The Anatomical Record found that previous estimates of dinosaur brain size and neuron count were inaccurate. The research team argues that the number of neurons is not a reliable measure of intelligence.
According to Snakes George, a University of Bristol researcher, when studying long-extinct species like dinosaurs, various factors such as skeletal anatomy and the behavior of living relatives should be considered. George emphasized the need for additional evidence beyond neuron count to determine dinosaur intelligence.
The team behind the new study suggests that relying solely on the number of neurons to determine cognitive performance can lead to misleading interpretations. They propose that Tyrannosaurus rex was more similar to intelligent giant crocodiles, rather than baboons as previously suggested. The study aims to provide a more accurate understanding of dinosaur intelligence by considering multiple factors beyond neuron count.
Overall, this new study highlights the importance of considering multiple factors when studying long-extinct species like dinosaurs and cautioning against relying too heavily on one particular measure such as neuron count when determining their intelligence levels.
