New Research Challenges Previous Notions of T. rex Intelligence: Cognitive Abilities More Similar to Reptiles Than Primates

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Neuron count alone is not a reliable indicator of intelligence
New research challenges previous notions of T. rex intelligence
Previous brain-size estimates for T. rex inflated due to cerebrospinal fluid in dinosaur skulls
T. rex likely had cognitive abilities similar to modern-day reptiles
T. rex's cognitive abilities more similar to reptiles than primates
New Research Challenges Previous Notions of T. rex Intelligence: Cognitive Abilities More Similar to Reptiles Than Primates

In recent studies, neuroscientists have reevaluated the intelligence level of the Tyrannosaurus rex (T. rex) based on new evidence. Previously, a study by Suzana Herculano-Houzel from Vanderbilt University suggested that T. rex had more than 3 billion neurons, making it potentially as intelligent as primates or even monkeys (Herculano-Houzel, 2023). However, new research challenges this notion. According to a study published in The Anatomical Record journal by an international team of scientists from the University of Southampton and University of Bristol, T. rex's cognitive abilities were more in line with those of a lizard or crocodile (Naish et al., 2024).

The researchers found that previous brain-size estimates for T. rex had been inflated due to not taking into account the presence of cerebrospinal fluid in dinosaur skulls. Additionally, neuron count alone is not a reliable indicator of intelligence, as it only provides an estimate and does not consider other factors such as brain structure and behavioral evidence (Bertrand et al., 2024).

The team's findings suggest that T. rex was likely to have had cognitive abilities similar to those of modern-day reptiles, which are known for their survival skills and adaptability. However, it is important to note that intelligence is not the only factor contributing to an animal's success or ability to survive in its environment (George et al., 2024).

The debate surrounding T. rex's intelligence highlights the importance of considering multiple lines of evidence when studying extinct animals, including gross anatomy, fossil footprints, and behavioral evidence (Bertrand et al., 2024). By combining these different sources of information, scientists can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the cognitive abilities and overall biology of extinct species.


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Confidence

91%

Doubts
  • The study's findings on T. rex's cognitive abilities being similar to those of modern-day reptiles may be subject to debate as intelligence is not the only factor contributing to an animal's success or ability to survive in its environment.

Sources

90%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

How Smart Were Tyrannosaurus rex and Other Large Theropod Dinosaurs? | Sci.News

Sci.News News Staff Monday, 29 April 2024 11:26
  • Unique Points
    • Large theropods, including Tyrannosaurus rex, were as smart as reptiles but not as intelligent as monkeys, according to new research led by University of Bristol paleontologists.
    • ,
  • Accuracy
    • Large theropods, including Tyrannosaurus rex, were as smart as reptiles but not as intelligent as monkeys.
    • University of Bristol paleontologists found that previous assumptions about brain size in dinosaurs and the number of neurons their brains contained were unreliable.
    • Herculano-Houzel proposed that anthropoid primate-level intelligence should be added to T. rex’s already impressive predatory resume based on high estimates for the number of neurons in its forebrain.
    • Researchers should consider skeletal anatomy, bone histology, the behavior of living relatives, and trace fossils when reconstructing the biology of extinct species.
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

85%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

T. rex was probably about as intelligent as a crocodile

Popular Science Laura Baisas Monday, 29 April 2024 13:02
  • Unique Points
    • New research challenges the idea that T. rex had a high number of neurons and was as intelligent as primates.
    • The study argues that determining the intelligence of extinct animals should be based on multiple lines of evidence, not just neuron counts.
  • Accuracy
    • T. rex was among the largest, heaviest, and most powerful terrestrial carnivores of all time.
    • University of Bristol's Dr. Hady George and colleagues found that previous assumptions about brain size in dinosaurs and the number of neurons their brains contained were unreliable.
    • The international team of scientists concluded that the T. rex's cognitive abilities were more in line with those of a lizard or crocodile.
    • True T. rex intelligence was likely much closer to that of modern-day crocodiles than primates.
  • Deception (50%)
    The article makes selective reporting by only discussing the findings of a new study that contradicts previous research suggesting T. rex had a high number of neurons and therefore potentially high intelligence. The article does not mention any peer-reviewed studies supporting this new research or disclose any potential conflicts of interest. Additionally, the author uses emotional manipulation by implying that the idea of T. rex being intelligent is 'fascinating and terrifying' before stating that it is unlikely based on the new study.
    • The study found that their brain size had been overestimated, particularly the forebrain. The neuron counts could have also been overestimated and the neuron count estimates are not a reliable guide to intelligence.
    • Despite being very similar to big birds, dinosaurs were reptiles. As reptiles, they have very different brains than birds or mammals, but brain tissue does not fossilize.
    • New research is throwing some cold water on the idea that the fearsome Tyrannosaurus rex was as smart as a primate.
  • Fallacies (85%)
    The article contains an appeal to authority and inflammatory rhetoric. It also presents a dichotomous depiction of the intelligence of T. rex by comparing it to that of a crocodile or primate.
    • . . . these possibly scaly-lipped theropods were about as smart as living reptiles like crocodiles, but not quite as intelligent as monkeys.
    • Taking another look In this new study, an international team of paleontologists, neuroscientists, and behavioral scientists argues that researchers should look at multiple lines of evidence when reconstructing long-extinct species.
    • Despite being very similar to big birds, dinosaurs were reptiles. As reptiles, they have very different brains than birds or mammals, but brain tissue does not fossilize.
    • The possibility that T. rex might have been as intelligent as a baboon is fascinating and terrifying, with the potential to reinvent our view of the past.
    • In response to this new study re-examining her work, Herculano-Houzel told the Los Angeles Times,
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

90%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

T. rex not as smart as we were foolishly made to believe

New Atlas Tuesday, 30 April 2024 08:16
  • Unique Points
    • New physiological analysis found that the Tyrannosaurus rex was not as smart as previously believed.
    • The international team of scientists concluded that the T. rex’s cognitive abilities were more in line with those of a lizard or crocodile.
  • Accuracy
    • In a study published last year, Vanderbilt University paleontologist Suzana Herculano-Houzel claimed that dinosaurs like T. rex had an exceptionally high number of neurons and were substantially more intelligent than assumed.
    • University of Bristol’s Dr. Hady George and colleagues noted that T. rex was among the largest, heaviest, and most powerful terrestrial carnivores of all time.
    • Herculano-Houzel proposed that anthropoid primate-level intelligence should be added to T. rex’s already impressive predatory resume based on high estimates for the number of neurons in its forebrain.
  • Deception (70%)
    The article makes editorializing statements and uses emotional manipulation by referring to the T. rex as 'the king of the dinosaurs' and 'our study shows how all the data we have is against this idea' implying that previous research was wrong. The author also uses sensationalism by stating 'It's been a rough year or two for the long extinct dinosaur.' and 'Sadly, for the T. rex, the team says the neuron count estimates were too high.' The article also engages in selective reporting by focusing on only one aspect of previous research (neuron count) and ignoring other evidence that supported a higher intelligence level for T. rex. The author also uses science and health articles that imply facts without linking to peer-reviewed studies, specifically 'The new study kicks dirt in the face of the 2023 findings'.
    • It's been a rough year or two for the long extinct dinosaur.
    • Sadly, for the T. rex, the team says the neuron count estimates were too high.
    • The new study kicks dirt in the face of the 2023 findings
  • Fallacies (95%)
    The article does not contain any explicit logical fallacies. However, there are some instances of inflammatory rhetoric and appeals to emotion. The author uses phrases like 'kicks dirt in the face' and 'hate, science?' to elicit an emotional response from the reader. Additionally, the author makes a comparison between T. rex being smarter than a baboon and it being more terrifying, which is an appeal to fear.
    • ][The new study] kicks dirt in the face of the 2023 findings that the dinosaur’s neuron count was a direct indication of its intelligence.[/]
    • [The authors] sadistically take the T. rex down a notch with this new paper on intelligence.
    • [If we believe that T. rex might have been as intelligent as a baboon, it would reinvent our view of the past.] But our study shows how all the data we have is against this idea.
  • Bias (95%)
    The author expresses a dismissive and derisive tone towards the previous research that suggested T. rex was intelligent, using phrases like 'kicks dirt in the face' and 'all the hate, science?' This language reflects a bias against that particular research and its findings. The author also uses hyperbole when describing the implications of T. rex being intelligent as 'terrifying' and 'reinventing our view of the past'. These statements are not based on facts or evidence in the article, but rather reflect an ideological bias.
    • But our study shows how all the data we have is against this idea. They were more like smart giant crocodiles, and that’s just as fascinating.[
      • ]The new study kicks dirt in the face of[...], first we questioned their teeth, finding that those iconic chompers could very much have been smaller and hidden behind lips, and now an international team of paleontologists, behavioral scientists and neurologists have concluded that the T. rex wasn’t smarter than your average lizard or crocodile.[
      • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
        None Found At Time Of Publication
      • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
        None Found At Time Of Publication

      96%

      The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
      (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

      A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

      T. Rex was not as smart as primates, new study finds

      The Los Angeles Times Corinne Purtill Monday, 29 April 2024 10:00
      • Unique Points
        • In December 2022, Vanderbilt University neuroscientist Suzana Herculano-Houzel published a paper suggesting T. rex had more than 3 billion neurons.
        • T. rex brains probably occupied only 30% to 50% of their brain cavities, indicating far fewer than the projected 3 billion neurons.
        • CT scan reconstructions suggest T. rex had a long tube-like brain with little cortical expansion, unlike primates or modern birds.
      • Accuracy
        • True T. rex intelligence was likely much closer to that of modern-day crocodiles than primates.
      • Deception (100%)
        None Found At Time Of Publication
      • Fallacies (90%)
        The author makes an appeal to authority with the quotes from Suzana Herculano-Houzel and Thomas R. Holtz, Jr., but also provides counterarguments and evidence from other experts in the field. The author does not use inflammatory rhetoric or make dichotomous depictions of T. rex intelligence being either primate-level or mindless automaton. However, there is an informal fallacy in the form of an overgeneralization when the author states 'What we found doesn’t mean that T. rex was a mindless automaton; but neither was it going to organize a Triceratops rodeo or pass down stories of the duckbill that was THAT BIG but got away.' This statement is not supported by any evidence in the article and is an unnecessary assumption.
        • ][Suzana Herculano-Houzel] described T. rex as essentially wily enough to sharpen their own shivs.[/
        • ][Thomas R. Holtz, Jr.] argued, neuron counts aren’t an ideal indicator of an animal’s intelligence.
      • Bias (100%)
        None Found At Time Of Publication
      • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
        None Found At Time Of Publication
      • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
        None Found At Time Of Publication