How Accurate Was ‘Jurassic Park’? A Paleontologist Breaks It Down

With its realistic dinosaurs and exciting science fiction based on genetic potential, ‘Jurassic Park’ astounded moviegoers when film debuted in theaters in 1993.  But does it still stand up to scientific scrutiny after more than 30 years?  Many paleontologists believe that the movie is a combination of artistic license that puts drama ahead of realism and unexpectedly accurate information.

 The concept of obtaining dinosaur DNA from insects trapped in amber is one of the movie's greatest scientific advances.  No full dinosaur DNA has ever been found, even though this idea is based on actual paleontological techniques like analyzing ancient insects in amber.  It is highly unlikely that any useable genetic material will still exist after 65 million years due to the gradual degradation of DNA.

Additionally, inconsistent is the portrayal of dinosaurs themselves.  For instance, the Velociraptors were depicted as big, clever pack hunters.  Actual Velociraptors were considerably smaller, roughly the size of a turkey, and most likely had feathers.  The larger Deinonychus, a cousin of the Velociraptor, served as a more accurate model for the raptors in the movie.  The enormous T. rex, on the other hand, receives praise for its remarkable size and strength, but the movie's claim that its vision is movement-based is unfounded and a myth.

Image Courtesy: The Economic Times

‘Jurassic Park’ did get several things right in spite of these errors.  At the time, the notion that birds are descended from dinosaurs was novel, but it is now generally acknowledged in the scientific world.  A new generation of scientists was inspired by the movie, which also generated interest in paleontology throughout the world.

 In summary, ‘Jurassic Park’ brought paleontology to the general public excitingly and creatively, even though it also tinkers with the science for entertaining purposes.  Because of this, many specialists continue to regard it with a mixture of scientific caution and fondness.

–Farheen Ali