Could intelligent dinosaurs have shared Earth with humans?
Dinosaurs went extinct 65 million years ago due to an asteroid impact that dramatically changed life on Earth. But what if that event had never occurred? In 1982, paleontologist Dale Russell posited that the evolution of intelligent Troodons could have led to the emergence of humanoid reptiles similar to humans.
8:29 PM EDT, August 25, 2024
Paleontologists agree that Troodon was one of the most intelligent dinosaurs. Canadian Dale Russell developed a thought experiment involving a human-like being that could have evolved from Troodons. He called it dinosauroid or Troodon Sapiens (wise Troodon).
Dinosaurs like humans
In 1982, Russell began collaborating with sculptor Ron Séguin. The artist's task was to visualize this hypothetical humanoid descendant of Troodon. According to their concept, the dinosauroid would move on two legs in an upright position. Like other Troodons, the creature conceived by Russell and Séguin would have three fingers on each hand, one of which would be partially opposable.
The dinosauroid would have very large eyes compared to human eyes. In addition, it would have a developed cranium and a partially reduced face. The tail would disappear, and, strangely enough, so would its teeth. According to the scientist's vision, the humanoid reptile descended from a carnivorous dinosaur would be completely toothless. Séguin's model also featured a navel, suggesting that unlike dinosaurs, the dinosauroid would be viviparous.
Russell also speculated that millions of years of evolution would allow "reptilian humans" to create civilization and advanced technology. However, his concept was criticized by other paleontologists, who thought that the dinosauroid resembled humans too closely.
After Russell's thought experiment was published, many discussions arose about a world where humanoid reptiles existed. One theory suggested that they would become the dominant species, displacing Homo sapiens or even preventing humans from appearing on Earth. Another concept suggested that dinosauroids would coexist with humans in harmony or conflict.
A combination of human and dinosaur
The fantastic idea from almost 40 years ago still inspires scientists, artists, and conspiracy theorists about reptilians. The theory about the development of dinosaurs that would have survived to the present day was presented in the BBC documentary "Horizon: My Pet Dinosaur."
It's worth noting that among fans of "Jurassic Park," there was a rumor that in the fourth part of the series (known as "Jurassic World") hybrids created from dinosaur and human DNA would appear. Ultimately, this did not happen, although there are models and concept graphics suggesting that such an idea was considered.
A few years before the film's release, an alleged script fragment leaked, stating that the hybrids were to be created in a secret lab to produce ideal soldiers. This concept echoed in the final version, where a military figure suggests using raptors for military operations. Although human-dinosaur hybrids were abandoned, the focus was on crossbreeding predatory dinosaurs.
According to industry film portals, the creators abandoned the earlier idea after seeing a graphic of a humanoid dinosaur created by Carlos Huante from Industrial Light & Magic. This concept was not well received by fans of the series. As a result, Colin Trevorrow, the director of the third part of "Jurassic World," announced that his film would not feature any new dinosaur hybrids.
If the asteroid had not struck the Earth, dinosaurs would have had a chance of survival. However, it is unknown how their evolution would have proceeded. Do you believe they could resemble us, humans?
