Home / Science / T.Rex Tiptoed? New Study Rewrites Dinosaur Movement
T.Rex Tiptoed? New Study Rewrites Dinosaur Movement
25 Feb
Summary
- New research suggests T.Rex walked on its toes, not heels.
- This bird-like gait may have made T.Rex faster than thought.
- Scientists analyzed T.Rex anatomy, tracks, and bird locomotion.
Recent scientific findings propose that the Tyrannosaurus Rex, long imagined as a heavy-footed giant, may have actually walked on its tiptoes. This novel perspective suggests a bird-like gait, contrary to previous expert assumptions about its locomotion.
Scientists from the College of the Atlantic analyzed T.Rex anatomy, fossilized tracks, and the movement of contemporary birds. Their resulting model indicates that the dinosaur's front toes likely struck the ground first. This method of movement could have allowed the T.Rex to achieve speeds up to 11 meters per second, or approximately 24.6 miles per hour.
This research represents a significant shift in understanding T.Rex's biomechanics and potentially its ecological role. The study also touches upon other recent discoveries, including a separate analysis suggesting T.Rex may have been heavier than previously estimated, weighing up to 15 tonnes. Further research also explores the possibility of iron-coated teeth in T.Rex, drawing parallels with modern reptiles like the Komodo dragon.
