‘Larger horns, smaller brains’: The dinosaur lesson humans cannot ignore
Produced by: Manoj Kumar
Sensory Decline
Ceratopsian dinosaurs, including Triceratops, evolved to have weaker senses of smell and hearing, as revealed by a study published in Cambridge University Press.
Brain Shrinkage
Early ceratopsians had larger brains relative to their body size, but as they grew bigger, their encephalization decreased, resulting in reduced sensory reliance.
Bipedal Shift
Early horned dinosaurs walked on two legs, but their evolutionary journey saw a shift to quadrupedal locomotion as their size increased.
Virtual Analysis
Researchers used advanced virtual modeling to reconstruct the brain structures (endocasts) of ceratopsians, uncovering how sensory adaptations evolved.
High-Frequency
Smaller, early ceratopsians like Yinlong had heightened olfactory abilities and could hear higher frequencies, unlike their larger, later relatives.
Tech Dependency
Dr. Fenglu Han warns that humans might face similar sensory declines as we become overly dependent on technology, a lesson drawn from these dinosaurs.
Evolution’s Cost
Larger horns and frills came at a sensory cost for ceratopsians, suggesting that physical adaptations can sometimes trade off with cognitive or sensory capabilities.
Behavioral Warning
The study highlights the importance of human choices, emphasizing that unlike dinosaurs, humans have the agency to shape their future evolution.
Modern Parallels
The research draws a cautionary parallel between dinosaurs’ evolutionary limitations and the potential risks of human over-reliance on artificial intelligence.