In 1971, paleontologists discovered an 80-million-year-old fossil site in Mongolia’s Gobi Desert. Known as the “Fighting Dinosaurs,” it shows a Velociraptor locked in a deadly struggle with a Protoceratops. The turkey-sized predator had its claw embedded in the herbivore’s neck, while the Protoceratops had bitten down hard enough to break the Velociraptor’s arm.
Some researchers believe this scene confirms that Protoceratops was a common prey for Velociraptor. However, paleontologist David Hone questions this interpretation. He suggests that the fossil may depict an unusual situation rather than typical behavior.
In his book, Uncovering Dinosaur Behavior: What They Did and How We Know, Hone cautions against making broad claims based on individual fossils. He emphasizes that each specimen is just one data point and should not lead to sweeping conclusions about a species.
The book opens with a clear introduction to dinosaur biology and behavior, addressing biases that influence our understanding. Unlike other popular dino books by authors like Steve Brusatte and Michael J. Benton, Hone avoids personal anecdotes. Instead, he provides a thorough overview of recent research, often accompanied by disclaimers. This candid approach is refreshing in a world where many misconceptions persist, partly due to films like Jurassic Park.
Hone notes that some biases in paleontology stem from the scientists themselves. Rare or new species are often prioritized for collection and study, while more familiar ones may be overlooked. Additionally, certain groups of dinosaurs, particularly those linked to the evolution of birds, receive more attention than others.
Other misconceptions arise before fossils even form. Natural events like floods can scatter carcasses far from their original locations. Scavengers may carry remains away, preventing proper burial. In some environments, like rainforests, decomposition occurs quickly, leading to gaps in the fossil record. Hone points out that a fossil represents a moment of burial, not the time of death.
Certain behaviors are also better preserved than others. For instance, teeth marks on a duck-billed dinosaur’s arm bone indicate that Tyrannosaurus rex likely stripped meat from the bone rather than biting through it. Tooth wear helps researchers understand whether sauropods, like Diplodocus, preferred tall trees or low foliage.
However, the chances of a dinosaur being fossilized during brief behaviors like mating are very slim. To infer such behaviors, scientists look to modern relatives, like birds and crocodilians. In 2021, researchers reconstructed the cloaca of the herbivore Psittacosaurus, revealing features that suggest it may have used scent for communication, similar to today’s reptiles.
Hone concludes many chapters with case studies of misunderstood dinosaurs. One example is Deinonychus, the inspiration for the Velociraptors in Jurassic Park. In the 1960s, scientists found several Deinonychus skeletons near a single Tenontosaurus. This led to the idea that Deinonychus hunted in packs. However, Hone points out that evidence for cooperative hunting is minimal. The Tenontosaurus might have been scavenged, and most skeletons found nearby were juvenile, suggesting it was an easy target for a lone predator. Some studies even indicate the Deinonychus may have been competing for a carcass rather than hunting together.
While Uncovering Dinosaur Behavior presents valuable research, Hone’s caution sometimes leaves readers wanting more insights into how these dinosaurs lived. This emphasis on skepticism serves as a reminder of the biases that can cloud paleontological research. Hone warns against the confident interpretations often found in scientific literature. He stresses the importance of recognizing uncertainty in ancient behaviors, a lesson that many readers will find rewarding.
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