How Smart Were Dinosaurs Compared to Modern Animals and Modern Humans?

In discussions about intelligence and the evolution of animals, dinosaurs often take center stage. While it's widely accepted that some birds are as smart as mammals, it's fascinating to consider whether dinosaurs—our evolutionary predecessors—were as intelligent as modern animals or even modern humans.

Corvids and their Intelligence

Corvids, such as crows and ravens, are known for their remarkable intelligence. They are considered on par with most mammals, including primates. Given this fact, it is intriguing to imagine what the intelligence of the smartest extinct dinosaurs might have been like.

While dinosaurs were a diverse group, it is argued that dromaeosaurs were the most intelligent among the extinct species. Their intelligence closely rivalled that of modern birds like crows and parrots. However, dromaeosaurs did not possess the dexterity to create tools, much like modern birds can only do so infrequently. Some species, such as Tyrannosaurus rex and raptors, might have been as intelligent as modern corvids, potentially even more. These intelligent predators may have exhibited complex behaviors similar to their modern descendants in the animal kingdom.

Biological Constraints of Reptiles

While the concept of dinosaur intelligence is fascinating, it is essential to consider the biological constraints that governed their cognitive abilities. Unlike modern birds and mammals, which are warm-blooded, dinosaurs were generally cold-blooded reptiles. This physiological difference significantly influenced their energy requirements and behavior.

Cold-blooded animals such as alligators and komodo dragons today do not require much brain power to perform their daily functions. Their brains were primarily responsible for finding food, eating, fighting off rivals, and reproducing. During colder periods, they would slow down and become more active in the sun, requiring very little cognitive energy. This lifestyle suggests that dinosaurs' intelligence might not have been as developed as that of modern animals.

Selection for Intelligence in Evolution

Intelligence can be selected for in the course of evolution. Individuals with higher intelligence typically find more food, converting that energy into more offspring. Attributes that align with intelligence include living in complex environments, high levels of activity, and high sociability. There is some evidence to suggest that these characteristics were present in dinosaurs as well. However, the rarity of mutations that significantly increase brain size means that more brain power is not always necessary for higher intelligence.

Evolutionary history shows that significant increases in brain size have occurred multiple times, both in whales and dolphins and in early hominins. The caledonian crow, with a walnut-sized brain, can solve cognitive tasks better than chimpanzees, highlighting that intelligence is not solely dependent on brain size. Similarly, modern computers have become more sophisticated despite being smaller, underscoring the idea that intelligence is not inherently linked to brain size.

The Jury is Still Out

While we cannot observe the behaviors of extinct dinosaurs, it is unwise to assume they were all unintelligent and sluggish. The evolution of intelligence in prehistoric animals, including dinosaurs, is a complex subject still under investigation. Therefore, it is crucial to approach discussions about dinosaur intelligence with a sense of curiosity rather than preconceived notions.

Overall, the intelligence of dinosaurs was likely influenced by various factors, including their physiological constraints and evolutionary pressures. While some dinosaurs may have exhibited remarkable cognitive abilities, others may have been considerably more primitive in their cognitive function. Further research in paleontology and comparative neuroscience will continue to provide insights into the intelligence of these fascinating creatures.