Paleontology News: Theropods Were As Smart as Primates and Developed Culture

How smart were dinosaurs? Were dinosaurs as smart as primates? The debate over theropod intelligence is a continuing one, with factors like EQ and neuron density competing for respect in the scientific community. With isotropic fractionation, we learned that it’s possible for dinosaurs as smart as primates to have existed. Megatheropods may have been among the most intelligent dinosaurs. How smart was ? , if its neuron density was similar to those of its close avian relatives rather than nonavian reptiles, could be smarter than a baboon. Dinosaur intelligence is a constantly shifting science, but a technique known as isotropic fractionation may hold the key to unlocking the secrets of ancient dinosaur brains. Suzana Herculano-Houzel investigated dinosaur neuron density and discovered that some theropods may have been as intelligent as primates and modern corvids, suggesting complex problem-solving, tool use, and culture building even in the world’s largest terrestrial predators. L