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Scientists Discover T. Rex Blood Was As Hot As Human Blood, Suggesting They Were Fast-Running Predators
Yahoo • • science
Key Points:
- UCLA scientists used a novel isotope analysis technique on T. rex tooth enamel to determine the dinosaur's internal body temperature, finding it to be around 97 degrees Fahrenheit, similar to modern mammals and elephants.
- This discovery confirms that T. rex was warm-blooded, suggesting it was an active, fast-running predator or scavenger rather than a slow ambush hunter like cold-blooded reptiles.
- The refined technique requires only tiny samples from fossilized teeth, allowing researchers to study precious dinosaur specimens without significant damage, exemplified by analyses of "Thomas the T. rex."
- The warm-blooded nature of T. rex implies it could maintain sustained activity and inhabit a wider range of environments, including cooler regions like ancient Alaska, unlike cold-blooded reptiles.
- Additional studies indicate T. rex walked at speeds comparable to humans and may have run on tiptoes like modern birds, though whether it was primarily a predator or scavenger remains unresolved.
