This Dinosaur Probably Tweeted More Than It Roared
This Dinosaur Probably Tweeted More Than It Roared
The anatomy of a Chinese fossil offers a hint that birdsong may be as old as the dinosaurs themselves.
Read the full article on NY Times Science
Truth Analysis
Analysis Summary:
The article's central claim about birdsong originating with dinosaurs is plausible but relies on interpretation of fossil anatomy. While the idea that dinosaurs didn't roar is supported, the specific claim about 'tweeting' is speculative and potentially biased towards sensationalism. The article presents a simplified view of dinosaur vocalization.
Detailed Analysis:
- Claim: The anatomy of a Chinese fossil offers a hint that birdsong may be as old as the dinosaurs themselves.
- Verification Source #1: Suggests earlier non-avian dinosaurs vocalized more like crocs than birds.
- Verification Source #4: Discusses figuring out the sounds dinosaurs made.
- Assessment: Partially supported. While the link between dinosaurs and bird vocalization is a topic of research, the direct connection to 'birdsong' specifically is speculative. Source 1 suggests a different type of vocalization for early dinosaurs.
- Claim: This Dinosaur Probably Tweeted More Than It Roared
- Verification Source #5: Dinosaurs probably didn't roar.
- Verification Source #2: Implies that roaring dinosaurs are a construct of popular imagination.
- Assessment: Partially supported and partially speculative. The 'didn't roar' part is supported by multiple sources. The 'tweeted more' part is speculative and an interpretation of the fossil evidence, potentially overstating the certainty of the finding.
Supporting Evidence/Contradictions:
- Source 5: Dinosaurs Probably Didn't Roar, But Some Definitely Quacked
- Source 1: Earlier non-avian dinosaurs probably vocalized more like crocs than birds