It might sound wild, but some scientists believe that dinosaurs could have been delicious. Birds and crocodiles are their modern relatives, and both are edible today. So, what about the dinosaurs that roamed millions of years ago?
Could You Eat Dinosaur Meat?
Professor Steve Brusatte, a paleontologist from Edinburgh, thinks it’s possible. He said, “Dinosaur meat would likely have been edible and probably pretty tasty.” Although some dinosaurs might have had toxic parts, generally, he believes most would have been just fine for humans to eat. He pointed out that many of today’s delicious animals are herbivores. So, dinosaurs like the Brontosaurus or Triceratops might have been very flavorful.
Modern-Day Dinosaurs and Poisonous Birds
Interestingly, not all birds are safe to eat. Take the hooded pitohui from New Guinea. It’s one of the few poisonous birds on the planet. The feather of this bird carries a potent neurotoxin. Just touching it can cause symptoms like tingling or numbness, and higher doses can lead to paralysis or death. Jack Dumbacher, a bird expert, explained how this poison comes from the birds’ diet. They feast on a special beetle, which transfers the toxin to them.
Research shows that the Choresine pulchra beetle, known for its toxin, is also linked to other poisonous birds, creating a fascinating web of survival and toxicity. This beetle nourishes various toxic creatures, much like the infamous poison-dart frog gets its toxins from its diet.
Even surprising creatures, like the world’s largest wild goose, are known to be poisonous. This tidbit comes from the podcast How Many Geese, which humorously explores wildlife.
What Would Dinosaur Meat Taste Like?
If we were to safely consume dinosaur meat, what might it taste like? Professor Brusatte suggests that plant-eaters like the Stegosaurus or Brontosaurus likely had a pleasant flavor. He thinks carnivores like the T. Rex might not be as tasty. After all, today’s best meats often come from herbivorous animals.
In essence, while dinosaurs might tantalize our taste buds from a distance, most of what we know comes from paleontological research and educated guesses. The fascination with their potential flavors offers a quirky glimpse into the ancient world and highlights the links between past and present creatures.
For more insights on the fascinating evolution of birds from dinosaurs, check out this National Geographic article.
