WASHINGTON, DC – Deciphering the intelligence of dinosaurs based on their fossils is a complex task, laden with uncertainties. A recent study by Vanderbilt University neuroscientist Suzana Herculano-Houzel stirred controversy in the scientific community by suggesting that Tyrannosaurus rex may have had intelligence comparable to that of primates, such as baboons, based on brain size and neuron count.
In response, an interdisciplinary team of scientists has published a rebuttal, challenging the methodology used by Herculano-Houzel and proposing a more holistic approach to evaluating the intelligence of T. rex and other large dinosaur predators. They argue that factors such as anatomy, ecology, and behavior must be considered in conjunction with brain size and neuronal count.
According to zoologist Kai Caspar of Heinrich Heine University in Germany, the brains of most dinosaurs, including T. rex, were similar in size to those of living reptiles like crocodiles and alligators. He emphasizes that reptiles are not as unintelligent as commonly believed, noting that their behaviors can be quite complex, with cognitive similarities to mammals and birds.
Herculano-Houzel has defended her findings, asserting that the size of dinosaur brains, particularly in relation to modern birds, is still a point of contention. Meanwhile, Caspar and his team argue that estimating the actual size of dinosaur brains and the density of neurons poses significant challenges, further complicating efforts to gauge intelligence solely based on these factors.
Despite the ongoing debate, paleontologist Thomas Holtz from the University of Maryland suggests that Tyrannosaurus likely possessed a level of intelligence surpassing that of crocodiles but falling below that of typical modern birds and mammals. However, he cautions that measuring intelligence in ancient animals is a complex endeavor, as nature’s complexity cannot be unraveled by simply estimating one number.