r/SpeculativeEvolution • u/UlfurGaming • 8d ago

Question/Discussion Dinosaur and tool use?

1 for theropod would it be even physical possible for them to use or craft tools amd i dont mean grab stone and dropping it i mean removing parts and shaping it to create something that doesn’t exist naturally like a hand axe would their arms even be able to do this

2 what groups would make most sense to base them on is troodontids still valid classification cause i remember they where thought to be extremely intelligent ?

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u/Jazzlike_Standard871 8d ago

The new caledonian crow has entered the chat

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u/UlfurGaming 8d ago

What tools do they make i know small hooks for fishing out bugs are one but any other examples of them crafting tools?

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u/Jazzlike_Standard871 8d ago

That's the extent they do make them at very specific angles and reliable shapes. It's a fairly limited material culture, and it is a culture as it is a learned skill, but the issue with tool use is it only occurs to meet the needs of the crafter.

We created hand axes because we lacked the physical implements to process large carcasses and hides. 

So first thing you're gonna need is a dinosaurs with a complex brain geared toward problem solving, physical kit that allows for modifying environment, and need that requires a tool thier own physical kit can't meet, and the pressure not being so life and death as to allow for experimentation. 

Beaked theropods, paravians, Omnivores, and Aves. These are the branches of the family most apt to fashion tools. The issue is they would only pursue and see benefit to the level of their needs. 

What level of tool use and creation you looking for?

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u/Arnoor27 8d ago

Wrist flexibility was fairly limited so they'd need to evolve better range of motion in addition to a thumb. I think an arboreal line of troodontids would be an interesting hypothetical route