US EditionStudy finds Tyrannosaurus rex did not reach full size until age 40
The largest analysis of 17 fossils shows T. rex grew slower than thought, reaching about 8 tons at 35–40 years, implying longer lifespans and flexible growth patterns.
- On Wednesday, researchers reported that a PeerJ study using polarized light on 17 specimens found Tyrannosaurus rex took 35 to 40 years to reach roughly 8 tons, Holly Woodward said.
- Because earlier work missed rings, researchers re-examined thigh and shin bones from 17 Tyrannosaurus rex individuals, using a new statistical approach stitching records from different ages.
- Using the composite growth curve, the researchers found the largest T. rex dataset ever assembled shows growth-ring spacing varied within individuals, reflecting resource availability and environmental conditions.
- Longer lifespans would allow lifespans of around 45 to 50 years, extending prior estimates of about 30 years, and younger tyrannosaurs may have filled different ecological roles aiding T. rex dominance.
- The team warned that research protocols for growth studies may need revision, noting specimens nicknamed Jane and Petey show incompatible growth curves, reopening debate over Nanotyrannus and the Tyrannosaurus complex.
93 Articles
93 Articles
An investigation revealed that large extinct animals were not as fast as thought.The speed they could reach, in some cases, was lower than that of a person.
T. Rex Took Way Longer Than We Thought to Get Gigantic
According to a new study published in PeerJ, the Tyrannosaurus rex, the largest land predator to ever live, may have needed 35 to 40 years to reach its full, gigantic size. That’s significantly longer than scientists previously thought. A team of researchers analyzed fossilized thigh and shin bones from 17 T. rex specimens, the biggest sample size ever assembled for this species. By examining growth rings preserved in the bones, similar to those…
At every step of the Tyrannosaurus rex the ground trembled - at least when it was fully grown. Until then, however, it took a surprisingly long time. That was probably no disadvantage for the dinosaur on the way to the top predator.
It is the most famous dinosaur thanks to cinema and television, but new things about Tyrannosaurus rex, better known as T-Rex, are still known. A group of researchers have discovered news about the development and maturity of this species, which populated the Earth almost 70 million years ago.The study, carried out by three American researchers, reveals that T-Rex did not reach its full adult size until around 40 years old, gradually and steadil…
Tyrannosaurus rex took a long time to reach full maturity. It only reached its largest size at the age of 40. Much later in life than previously thought.
A new analysis suggests that the dinosaur grew surprisingly slowly, which calls into question previous assumptions.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 64% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
