A recent study examined the size and structure of dinosaur brains, with scientists concluding that dinosaurs had intelligence comparable to reptiles. Contrary to previous research suggesting that Tyrannosaurus rex was highly intelligent, a new study claims otherwise. This international research involved the University of Bristol in Britain and found that dinosaurs likely behaved more like crocodiles and lizards rather than baboons in terms of intelligence.
The study specifically looked at the size and structure of dinosaur brains to draw these conclusions. Last year, research from Vanderbilt University in the US suggested that Tyrannosaurus rex had a higher level of intelligence than previously believed, based on the number of neurons in its brain. However, the recent study published in The Anatomical Record in April refutes these claims by stating that the size of dinosaur brains and number of neurons were overestimated.
The research team argues that relying solely on the number of neurons to determine intelligence is insufficient when studying extinct species like dinosaurs. They emphasize the importance of considering other factors such as skeletal anatomy and the behavior of living relatives in determining cognitive abilities. The researchers caution against misleading interpretations that may arise from equating the number of neurons with intelligence.
In conclusion, the recent study suggests that Tyrannosaurus rex was likely more similar to intelligent giant crocodiles than highly intelligent baboons. The research sheds light on the complexities of assessing the intelligence of dinosaurs and highlights the need for a more comprehensive approach when studying cognitive abilities in extinct species.