TheJurassic Parkmovie franchise has captivated audiences for decades with its thrilling depiction of genetically engineered dinosaurs brought back to life in the modern era. While the movies are works of fiction, they are grounded in scientific concepts and ideas. However, like any science fiction story, there are both scientific accuracies and inaccuracies in the way the dinosaurs are portrayed and the science behind their creation.
On the one hand, the movies accurately depict many of the physical characteristics and behaviors of dinosaurs based on scientific evidence, such as the depiction of the T. rex as a powerful predator and the Stegosaurus with a spiked tail for defense. On the other hand, some of the concepts in the movies are exaggerated fiction for entertaining effect.
20DNA Extraction
Jurassic Park’sportrayal of extracting dinosaur DNA from mosquitoes preserved in amber is a fun and fantastical concept, but it strays far from reality. However, the idea of extracting and sequencing DNA from fossils is actually based on real science.
Scientists have successfully sequenced DNA from ancient animal bones and teeth, including mammoths and Neanderthals, and used that DNA to understand their genetic makeup and evolutionary history better. The process of extracting DNA from fossils is a difficult and delicate one, but advances in technology have made it increasingly possible. While the idea of recreating extinct dinosaurs from fossil DNA remains firmly in the realm of science fiction,the scienceof extracting and studying ancient DNA is a fascinating and important field with many real-world applications.
19Genetic Engineering
The concept of genetic engineering, which is at the heart ofJurassic Park’s dinosaur creation, is a real scientific principle that has been used in a variety of fields. While the idea of cloning extinct dinosaurs is thankfully pure fiction, the basic principles of genetic engineering are rooted in reality.
In the movies, the explanation of how the cloned dinosaurs are sterile to prevent them from breeding in the wild is also based on real science. Scientists have developed ways to make animals sterile through genetic manipulation or other techniques, and this has been used in conservation efforts to control populations of invasive species. Therefore, whileJurassic Parktakes genetic engineering to a fantastical extreme, the underlying science is firmly based in reality.
Related:Every Jurassic Park Movie Ranked by Box Office Gross
18Chaos Theory
Jurassic Parkintroduced the concept of chaos theory to a mass audience throughJeff Goldblum’scharacter, Ian Malcolm. The theory explains how small changes in initial conditions can have large effects on the behavior of complex systems.
It’s the notion that small, seemingly insignificant events can have profound and unpredictable effects on complex systems, such as the park’s genetically-engineered dinosaur population. This theory has real-world applications in fields such as weather forecasting, stock market analysis, and even social dynamics. It highlights the limitations of our ability to predict and control complex systems, as even the slightest change can lead to vastly different outcomes. Chaos Theory serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness and unpredictability of the natural world, and the importance of humility in our attempts to manipulate it. This is very appropriate considering the whole point of the movie franchise of people bringing back the dinosaurs!
17The Mosasaur
The Mosasaur is a giant marine reptile that was a real species that lived during the late Cretaceous period. These creatures truly were some of the most terrifying giants of the sea to have ever lived.
The Mosasaur featured inJurassic World, the fourth film in the Jurassic Park franchise, and while not entirely scientifically accurate, its depiction did stem from scientific fact. In reality, the largest known Mosasaur species is estimated to have reached a length of up to 59 feet, which is significantly smaller than what is depicted in the movie, but still impressively large! The Mosasaur has become a popular part of theJurassic Parkfranchise, and its inclusion in the films adds a new level of excitement for dinosaurs and marine life fans. While the Mosasaur may not be as well-known as some of the other dinosaurs in the franchise, its appearance in the movies helps to showcase the diversity of life that existed during the time of the dinosaurs.
16Velociraptor Behavior
In the firstJurassic Parkmovie, the velociraptors are depicted as intelligent predators. While the movie’s portrayal of the velociraptors may have been exaggerated for dramatic effect, it accurately depicts how these animals may have behaved in real life.
Recent fossil discoveries have revealed that velociraptors were actually much smaller than previously thought and were covered in feathers. However, their brains were relatively large for their body size, and they likely had keen senses and were capable of complex behaviors. While the movie versions may have taken on some creative liberties, the depiction of velociraptor behavior is grounded in scientific research.
15Dilophosaurus
The Dilophosaurus, with its distinctive frilled neck andvenomousspit, is a memorable part of the firstJurassic Parkmovie. While the idea of a venomous dinosaur is purely fictional, the frilled neck of the Dilophosaurus is based on real scientific evidence.
Fossilized specimens of Dilophosaurus have been found with bony crests on their skulls that may have supported a skin or keratinous frill. This feature likely served a display function, similar to the frills of modern-day lizards. The Dilophosaurus in the movie also has some inaccuracies, such as its small size and exaggerated and deadly behavior. Nevertheless, its appearance in the movie helped to popularize this lesser-known dinosaur and introduce it to a new generation of fans.
14Dinosaur Communication
The depiction of dinosaur communication in Jurassic World, is an interesting example of how scientific understanding can help create highly engaging imaginative works. While there is no direct evidence that dinosaurs used echolocation to communicate, recent studies have shown that somebird speciesrelated to dinosaurs use a similar form of communication.
Therefore, it’s not too far-fetched an idea that certain dinosaur species may have also used echolocation. By incorporating this scientific understanding into the fictional world ofJurassic Park, a more realistic and immersive experience is created for viewers. In addition to this, it’s an interesting feature that sparks curiosity in the natural world. It’s a testament to the power of science and storytelling to inform and captivate audiences.
13Feathered Dinosaurs
The depiction of feathered dinosaursinJurassic Worldrepresents an exciting and relatively recent development in the global understanding of prehistoric creatures. In the past, dinosaurs were typically depicted as scaly reptiles, but new scientific discoveries have revealed that many species were, in fact, covered in feathers.
Including feathered dinosaurs is a testament to the importance of keeping up with scientific advances and accurately portraying our understanding of the natural world in popular media. It is also an example of how science can capture the public imagination and generate interest and excitement in palaeontology. By depicting feathered dinosaurs,Jurassic Worldcreates a more accurate portrayal of these creatures and highlights the dynamic and evolving nature of scientific knowledge.
12The Depiction of the Brontosaurus
One of the most memorable scenes of the originalJurassic Park moviewas theintroduction of the Brontosaurus, portrayed as a towering herbivore peacefully grazing on foliage. The depiction of the Brontosaurus inJurassic Parkwas based on scientific studies of its diet and behavior.
Palaeontologists have long recognized that this dinosaur was a herbivore, feeding on vegetation such as ferns and conifers. Additionally, fossil evidence suggests the Brontosaurus may have traveled in herds, providing further insight into its social behavior. The movie’s portrayal of the Brontosaurus as a gentle giant aligns with our current understanding of this dinosaur. AlthoughJurassic Parktakes creative liberties with the science, it remains an entertaining and educational representation of prehistoric life.
11The Portrayal of the Stegosaurus
The portrayal of the Stegosaurus in the originalJurassic Parkmovie was fairly accurate for its time, based on the available scientific knowledge. The Stegosaurus was depicted with the correct number of tail spikes and plates on its back and its distinctive posture, with the hind legs longer than the front ones.
Since the film’s release, however, new research has shed further light on the anatomy and behavior of the Stegosaurus, leading to a better understanding of its characteristics. For instance, recent studies suggest that the plates may have been used for display purposes rather than defense, and that the tail may have been used as a weapon. While there were some inaccuracies inJurassic Park’sportrayal of the Stegosaurus, it was still a relatively faithful representation based on the scientific knowledge available at the time of the film’s production.
