The Sounds of Dinosaurs: Not What You Might Expect

Sunday, 25 May, 2025175 words3 minutes
Recent scientific research is challenging our long-held beliefs about dinosaur sounds. Contrary to the fearsome roars we hear in movies, evidence suggests that dinosaurs may have produced a variety of softer, more complex vocalizations.
Paleontologists have been studying fossilized remains of dinosaur skulls and ear structures to understand their hearing capabilities. They've discovered that many dinosaurs were likely attuned to low-frequency sounds. This suggests that larger dinosaurs probably produced deep, rumbling noises rather than high-pitched roars.
Interestingly, some dinosaurs may have used 'closed-mouth vocalization', similar to how modern birds like doves coo. This involves inflating the throat to produce sound, rather than using vocal cords. Smaller dinosaurs and young ones might have made higher-pitched sounds, possibly even chirping like baby birds do today.
These findings not only change our perception of how dinosaurs communicated but also provide insights into their behavior and social structures. It seems the Jurassic world was filled with a diverse range of sounds, from low rumbles to high-pitched chirps, creating a soundscape very different from what we've imagined in popular culture.
Origin
The Sounds of Dinosaurs: Not What You Might Expect

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Words

  • vocalizations
  • paleontologists
  • attuned
  • soundscape

Quiz

  1. 1. What type of vocalization might larger dinosaurs have used according to the text?

  2. 2. What is 'closed-mouth vocalization' as mentioned in the passage?