Re: Dinosuar "intelligence"

[Erik Omtvedt <omtvedt@mail.com>]

Jordan,

   I have to agree with Ken in that one should be careful on how they approach 
intelligence in animals, especially dinosaurs and their relationships to each 
other physiologically and physhologically. It might feel right to equate small 
theropods (or small dinosaurs in general) to having more "intelligent" know-how 
by their assumed lifestyles. But I don't think it's entirely accurate or 
reliable.  
   The idea of intelligence degrees in animals has everything to do with how 
they adapt to stimuli. Where a pack of small theropods appears to be very 
"intelligent" in group social structure as they hunt, do they have any more 
"intelligence" than the assumed social structures of sauropods?  Smaller 
animals may appear "smarter" than larger ones by their quickness and dexterity, 
and maybe (if we would be able to see them) their comical characteristics.
   I believe in the long run, it is not so much the size of the animal, but 
rather the longevity of the species, that has everything to do with how 
"intelligent", or better put ?? how successful??a creature is. We think we are 
pretty intelligent.  But how long will our legacy live on, and who will even 
know of us 70 or 200 million years from now?  Good question though, Jordan.

........................................................ 
iWon.com       http://www.iwon.com     why wouldn't you? 
........................................................