T. Rex's Small Arms May Fit a 180-Million-Year Pattern
Researchers analyzed 85 dinosaur species and found the strongest skulls paired with the smallest forelimbs across five carnivorous groups.
- A new study published May 20 in Proceedings of the Royal Society B analyzed 85 dinosaur species and concluded tiny arms were an evolutionary trade-off: as skulls grew larger and stronger, they consumed resources otherwise used for forelimbs.
- Scientists have debated T. rex's small arms for over a century, with theories ranging from prey-holding to mate-impressing, but Professor Steve Brusatte of Scotland's University of Edinburgh noted tyrannosaur evolution showed heads growing larger as arms shrank.
- Researchers measured forelimbs and skull bones from 85 species using fossils and existing literature, devising a new quantification method for skull strength; the analysis revealed shrinking limbs occurred across five unrelated dinosaur groups spanning about 180 million years.
- Paleobiologist Andre Rowe of England's University of Bristol highlighted how widespread the trend was, stating "This study highlights just how diverse and evolutionarily innovative dinosaurs really were," while paleontologist Stephan Lautenschlager noted large theropods invested in bite force while herbivores retained functional arms.
- Lead author Charlie Roger Scherer of University College London emphasized the pattern held regardless of size: "If you have a strong skull, you're going to have relatively small arms." Yet he acknowledged the arms' exact function remains unclear and requires further research.
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Why T. rex Ended Up With Tiny Arms
The Tyrannosaurus rex is famous for many things—its enormous size, terrifying bite, and surprisingly tiny arms. For years, scientists have wondered why such a powerful predator evolved such small forelimbs. Now, a new study suggests the answer may lie in the dinosaur’s massive head. Researchers from University College London and University of Cambridge studied 82 […] The post Why T. rex Ended Up With Tiny Arms appeared first on Knowridge Science…
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