Fossil tooth analysis confirms Tyrannosaurus rex was warm-blooded
5 hours ago
- Researchers estimate Tyrannosaurus rex had a body temperature of about 97°F (36°C), similar to humans, using a technique analyzing chemical bonds in fossil teeth.
- This finding provides direct evidence that T. rex was warm-blooded and could thrive in cold climates, supporting decades of research.
- The technique required minimal fossil material after years of refinement, allowing analysis of teeth from Thomas the T. rex skeleton.
- Warm-bloodedness implies T. rex had a high metabolism, was an active predator, and could inhabit broad regions from Mexico to Alaska.
- Future studies aim to apply this method to other dinosaurs, such as Triceratops and Stegosaurus, to explore if all dinosaurs were warm-blooded.