Could we go the dinosaur route? Study reveals deterioration of their intelligence over millions of years

An international team of researchers identified a progressive reduction in intelligence, hearing and smell in large horned dinosaurs as they evolved and increased in size over millions of years.

The study, led by experts from China and the United States and published in the scientific journal Paleobiology, details that the first ceratopsians, small herbivorous dinosaurs from the Jurassic and Cretaceous, They had relatively large brains and sharper senses compared to their late Cretaceous descendants..

Initially, these dinosaurs walked on two legs and reached lengths of between one and two meters, like the Psittacosaurus and the Yinlong, a ceratopsian known in China for its triangular skull.

However, over time, they evolved into quadrupedal animals that could measure up to nine meters, such as the Triceratops, equipped with physical defenses to confront predators such as the Tyrannosaurus rex.

Scientists used CT scans to analyze the cranial cavities of fossils, thus reconstructing the brain size of different species.

According to Han Fenglu, associate professor at China University of Geosciences, These changes were related to decreased vulnerability to predators..

“As ceratopsians grew, the need to remain alert decreased, which caused a deterioration of less used sensory functions,” Han explained, quoted by the Hong Kong newspaper South China Morning Post.

The researchers highlight that this phenomenon could have implications for humans, whose increasing dependence on technology raises some questions about the conservation of essential sensory and cognitive capacities.

“The evolution of dinosaurs reminds us of the importance of not over-relying on technological tools,” warned Han, who stressed that, unlike dinosaurs, humans have the ability to manage their behavior and choices to avoid similar degradation.

The study concludes that, just as some current herbivores do not require high intellectual abilities to survive, The safe environment and large size achieved by ceratopsians made certain initial adaptations unnecessary.marking a contrast with social carnivores, whose intelligence allows them to coordinate hunting strategies.