Dinosaur Choir: A Technological Insight into Corythosaurus Vocalizations
The evolution of sound in dinosaurs is being explored in groundbreaking projects such as Dinosaur Choir and Rawr! A Study in Sonic Skulls. These initiatives concentrate on the Corythosaurus, examining how changes in its crest during different life stages influenced its vocalizations. A significant distinction between the two projects lies in their methods of sound reproduction.
Transition from Mechanical to Computational Sound Creation
Initially, the project Rawr! utilized a mechanical larynx, requiring participants to blow into a mouthpiece to produce sounds. However, the onset of the pandemic prompted a reevaluation of this approach to ensure hygiene and accessibility. This led to a shift towards a more computational method of generating sound, a transition well-suited to project lead Brown, who holds a degree in computer science.
The Journey of Dinosaur Choir
The development of Dinosaur Choir commenced in 2021 when Brown traveled to Canada, the presumed habitat of the Corythosaurus, to refine her research. Collaborating with paleontologist Thomas Dudgeon from the University of Toronto and the Royal Ontario Museum, they examined recent CT scans and created a life-size model of the dinosaur’s head, focusing intricately on its nasal passages.
Advanced Methodologies in Reconstruction
Brown humorously expresses pride in her work on the nasal passages, stating, “I’m extremely proud of my nasal passages.” She dedicated approximately a year to mastering CT segmentation techniques to enhance their accuracy, accounting for the effects of millennia of burial.
With the skull model finalized, the next phase involved simulating the dinosaur’s vocalizations. The computational recreation of the vocal box allowed for greater flexibility in testing various research hypotheses without the need to construct new models from scratch.
Scientific Foundations of Vocalization Models
The computational models of vocalization are grounded in mathematical equations, which relate to the mechanics of sound production, including variables such as air pressure. Brown stated, “The models are based on a set of mathematical equations that relate to the mechanics of the voice—things like changes in air pressure and a number of other affected variables through time.” She incorporated insights from recent research, including a notable 2023 paper on an ankylosaur larynx. This research suggests that non-avian dinosaurs may have possessed a syrinx similar to that of modern birds, a revelation that could significantly alter our understanding of dinosaur vocalization.
Conclusion
The projects Rawr! and Dinosaur Choir stand at the intersection of paleontology, technology, and creativity, pushing the boundaries of how we understand and interpret the sounds produced by dinosaurs. Through innovative approaches and collaborative research, these projects open new avenues for exploring the lives of these ancient creatures.
