Did Dinosaurs Roar? Uncovering the Real Sounds of T-Rex

^{Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you.}

Have you ever wondered what dinosaurs really sounded like? For years, movies and TV shows have led us to believe that dinosaurs, especially the fearsome T. rex, had earth-shaking roars. But did dinosaurs roar like we imagine, or is the truth more complicated? Scientists are uncovering clues about dinosaur vocalizations that might change our thoughts about these ancient creatures.

Recent research in paleoacoustics, the study of ancient sounds, is shedding light on what dinosaurs might have actually sounded like. Researchers are piecing together a new understanding of dinosaur sounds by examining fossil evidence, comparing dinosaurs to their modern relatives, and using advanced technology. From the low-frequency rumbles of sauropods to the possible chirps and honks of smaller species, the actual sounds of dinosaurs might be more diverse and unexpected than we ever imagined.

The Myth of the Dinosaur Roar

For years, movies and TV shows have painted a vivid picture of dinosaurs as fearsome creatures with earth-shaking roars. The Jurassic Park franchise, in particular, has significantly impacted how people imagine dinosaur sounds. These films depict giant reptiles covered in scales, producing reverberating roars that make the screen tremble. This portrayal has become deeply ingrained in popular culture and shapes our expectations of what dinosaurs sounded like. Movie studios answered the question “did dinosaurs roar?” with a loud yes and very loudly, too.

However, these exciting, blood-curdling roars are not scientifically accurate. Recent research suggests that many dinosaurs, including the famous Tyrannosaurus rex, likely made closed-mouth vocalizations rather than open-mouthed roars.

Scientists are now using advanced techniques to uncover the real sounds of dinosaurs. By examining fossil evidence, comparing dinosaurs to their modern relatives, and using technology like CT scans, researchers are piecing together a new understanding of dinosaur vocalizations.

For instance, studies on the Parasaurolophus, a duck-billed dinosaur, have revealed that its large, bony crest could have been used to produce low-frequency sounds around 30Hz. These booming noises could have helped the dinosaurs communicate over long distances and form complex social groups.

The Science of Ancient Sounds: Did Dinosaurs Roar?

Fossils provide valuable insights into the vocal abilities of prehistoric creatures. While sound doesn’t fossilize, scientists have made some remarkable discoveries. In 1995, paleontologists unearthed a nearly complete skull of a Parasaurolophus, a duck-billed dinosaur. They took 350 images of the dinosaur’s crest using advanced CT scanning techniques, allowing them to see inside in unprecedented detail.

Another exciting find came in 2013 when researchers discovered the oldest known fossilized syrinx, a vocal organ found in birds. This syrinx belonged to Vegavis iaai, an ancient bird that lived 66 to 68 million years ago. The discovery suggests that some dinosaurs may have had similar structures for making sounds.

Scientists also study modern animals to understand how dinosaurs might have vocalized. Birds, which are technically living dinosaurs, provide valuable clues. By examining the vocal organs of birds and comparing them to fossilized remains, researchers can make educated guesses about dinosaur sounds.

Crocodiles, another group of living reptiles related to dinosaurs, offer additional insights. Some scientists believe that many dinosaurs might have vocalized in a manner similar to crocodiles, producing low-frequency booms using structures like an inflated esophagus.

Modern technology has revolutionized the field of paleoacoustics. CT scans allow researchers to examine fossils in incredible detail without damaging them. Scientists can create 3D models of dinosaur skulls and inner ear structures, providing clues about their hearing abilities.

By studying the size and shape of cochlear ducts in fossilized inner ears, researchers can estimate the range of frequencies different dinosaur species could hear. This information helps them make educated guesses about the types of sounds these ancient creatures might have produced.

As paleoacoustics advances, scientists are getting closer to unlocking the secrets of prehistoric sounds. While we may never know precisely what dinosaurs sounded like, these exciting discoveries are helping us paint a more accurate picture of the ancient world.

Dinosaur Vocalization Theories

Closed-mouth vocalizations

Scientists have discovered that dinosaurs might not have roared like we see in movies. Instead, they probably made sounds with their mouths closed! This is called closed-mouth vocalization. It’s similar to how doves coo or ostriches boom. To make these sounds, dinosaurs likely inflated their throats or special pouches in their windpipes. The result? Low-pitched, swooshing, or growling noises.

Researchers found that 52 out of 208 bird species use closed-mouth vocalization. This suggests that dinosaurs, being related to birds, might have used similar techniques. Interestingly, only larger animals (about the size of a dove or bigger) use this type of vocalization.

Infrasound communication

Some scientists think that big dinosaurs like T. rex might have used very low sounds called infrasound. These sounds are so low that humans can’t hear them, but we might feel them. Infrasound is excellent for communicating over long distances, even in dense jungles.

Large animals generally produce lower-frequency sounds because of their vocal cord length. So, massive dinosaurs probably made very deep sounds. Imagine feeling the ground shake when a T. rex “spoke”!

Crest resonance in hadrosaurs

Duck-billed dinosaurs, or hadrosaurs, had fancy crests on their heads. Scientists now think these crests helped them make different sounds. The size and shape of the crest influenced the sound produced. Bigger crests in adult dinosaurs could make different noises compared to younger ones. Using cool technology like CT scans, researchers looked inside these crests. They found that air would travel through nasal passages in the crest when the dinosaur called. This means each dinosaur might have had its own unique voice.

Modern Analogs: Birds and Crocodiles

Birds and crocodiles share a fascinating evolutionary link with dinosaurs. These modern creatures are part of the archosaur group, which has existed for about 250 million years. Crocodiles and dinosaurs diverged from a common archosaur ancestor around 240 million years ago during the Triassic period. Birds, on the other hand, evolved from small, feathered dinosaurs about 165 million years ago.

Birds and crocodiles offer valuable insights into how dinosaurs might have vocalized. Crocodiles use a larynx to produce deep rumbles and hisses. Birds, however, have a unique organ called the syrinx, which sits close to their lungs and allows for more complex sounds. Some birds can even modify these sounds using another organ near their mouths.

Based on these modern analogs, scientists believe that dinosaurs likely made various sounds. They might have used closed-mouth vocalizations, similar to how crocodiles and some birds produce deep rumbles by inflating their throats. This technique could have been used for mating displays or communication over long distances. They also might have made low-frequency booms, swooshes, or growls. Some dinosaurs, like the duck-billed hadrosaurs, may have even produced more complex sounds using their large head crests.

To get an idea of what dinosaurs might have sounded like, this Dinosaur Vocalization Study is incredible:

Learn more about dinosaur vocalization studies and how the Jurassic Park movies created their dinosaur sounds, check out this podcast featuring Jurassic World sound designer Al Nelson, and paleontologist Julia Clarke.

FAQs

Did dinosaurs actually have the ability to roar?

Research indicates that contrary to popular belief, dinosaurs likely did not roar. Instead, their vocalizations might have been more similar to the cooing of doves or the booming of ostriches.

What kind of sound would a T-Rex likely make?

Based on comparisons with crocodilians, it’s believed that a T-Rex would have produced a low-pitched, closed-mouth rumble rather than a traditional roar.

How was the T-Rex sound effect created for movies?

The iconic T-Rex sound in films was crafted by blending the roar of an elephant, the growls of a tiger and lion, the bellowing of an alligator, and the sound of a whale’s blow for its breathing effect.

What is the estimated loudness of a T-Rex’s vocalization?

Although traditionally depicted as extremely loud, the T-Rex’s roar in movies is estimated to reach about 140 decibels, akin to the noise level of a modern-day jet engine at close range. It could have been audible over several miles.

Learn All About Dinosaur Teeth