Jurassic Minds

Since their discovery in the mid 1800's, dinosaurs have fascinated many. Their sheer size and many varieties have surrounded them in mystery and intrigue. Not much was known about these ‘terrible lizards' at first, except that they were very large and mostly reptilian in nature. As time passed on, however, technology increased and the fossil record grew to astounding proportions. With each new discovery, more of the shroud of mystery was chiseled away. Many new findings have revealed to us just how the dinosaurs lived and behaved. Many paleontologists now believe that dinosaurs actually had more mammalian characteristics. Some will even say that they were more bird-like in nature. What has been proven for certain is that the dinosaurs were not the slow lumbering behemoths they were once thought to be.

Most people know that the dinosaurs are basically classified into two groups: the carnivores or meat-eaters, and the herbivores or plant-eaters. The carnivores were generally considered fierce and vicious hunters, relentlessly stalking and killing their prey. They would attack with brutal strength and lightning speed. Their specially designed claws and teeth were extremely efficient in ripping and shredding the flesh of other animals. The herbivores, on the other hand, were considered docile and gentle in nature. They were content simply grazing on grasses and leaves most of the day. Their biggest concern was being able to defend or get away from the predator carnivores who would eat them, which most seemed to do quite well. Their speed, agility, and on some species, body armor ensured them a lasting existence in the prehistoric world.

Now, compare this to the passive-aggressive nature of human beings. Any one truly honest human can identify with both sides of the dinosaur family. Our aggressiveness towards wanting to make a life for ourselves closely resembles that of the carnivores. Conversely, our quest for peace, security and contentment bears a strong resemblance to that of the herbivores. Perhaps the reason dinosaurs are so intriguing to us is that they are more like us than we care to admit. The more things change, the more they stay the same!