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Dinosaurs Inside and Out

Dinosaur Metabolism

Why is the debate over dinosaur metabolism so important?

The debate over dinosaur metabolism is important because it determines the way we visualize the behavior of these animals. If dinosaurs were cold-blooded (similar to today’s reptiles) they were probably mostly sluggish, with only occasional bursts of quickness. Plus, they would not have been very smart. They probably would have spent most of their time basking in the sun, moving only to obtain more food, similar to the behavior of modern crocodiles. On the other hand, if dinosaurs were warm-blooded (similar to today’s mammals) they were probably active, social animals. They would have been quick, alert, and intelligent. They would have spent much of their time actively grazing, similar to modern antelope, or hunting in packs, similar to lions and wolves.



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