A Counterfactual Evolution: Could Dinosaurs Have Become Humanoid?
The prevailing theory of dinosaur extinction centers on a catastrophic meteorite impact.However, a interesting choice proposed in the 1980s by Canadian paleontologist Dale Russell explores what might have happened if dinosaurs had survived.Russell theorized that, given enough time, certain dinosaur lineages could have evolved along a path remarkably similar to that of mammals, potentially leading to clever, bipedal creatures he termed “dinosauroids” – essentially, humanoid reptiles.
Russell focused on Troodon, a dinosaur recognized for its relatively large brain size compared to other dinosaurs, as a likely ancestor. Collaborating with sculptor Ron Séguin, he developed a physical model of a potential dinosauroid. This creature, as envisioned, would walk upright on two legs, possess a substantially enlarged braincase, and have hands with three fingers. Strikingly, the model also depicted features suggesting a shift away from customary reptilian characteristics: a loss of a tail, the absence of teeth, and the presence of a navel, indicating live birth (viviparity).
Russell posited that millions of years of evolution could have allowed dinosauroids to develop complex societies and even technology.While the dinosauroid model was criticized by some for being overly human-like in its depiction, the concept sparked considerable debate and fueled discussions about alternative evolutionary timelines.
The hypothetical existence of such creatures raises questions about the course of life on Earth. Some speculate that dinosauroids could have become the dominant intelligent species, potentially preventing the evolution of Homo sapiens. Others suggest a scenario where humans and dinosauroids might have coexisted, either through cooperation or competition.
Though entirely speculative, these ideas continue to capture the creativity of both scientists and the public. The concept was explored in the BBC documentary “Horizon: My Pet Dinosaur,” and even considered – though ultimately rejected - as a plot element for the film Jurassic World. The enduring appeal of this counterfactual evolution highlights our interest with the unpredictable nature of life’s history and the myriad paths it could have taken.
