Skip to main content
915 TLDR
Community
1 read

New Study Reveals T. rex Took 35 Years to Reach Full Size

KVIACNN Newsource
People gathering representing community events and culture

Want the full story?

Read the complete article at KVIA

Read Original

AI Summary

Recent research indicates that the Tyrannosaurus rex took significantly longer to grow to its maximum size than previously believed. A study published in PeerJ shows that T. rex typically reached its adult weight of around 8 tons at ages 35 to 40, rather than the earlier estimate of 25 years. This new understanding comes from analyzing growth rings in fossilized bones using polarized light, revealing a slower growth rate influenced by environmental conditions and resource availability. The findings may also suggest that what was once thought to be a single species of T. rex could actually include multiple species or subspecies, contributing to ongoing debates in paleontology.

Key Details: • T. rex reaches adult size at 35-40 years, not 25. • Study published in PeerJ provides new insights into dinosaur growth. • Variability in growth rates suggests environmental influences. • Findings could indicate multiple species within what was considered T. rex.

research dinosaurs paleontology species tyrannosaurus

People & Organizations

University of EdinburghHolly WoodwardSteve BrusatteNathan MyhrvoldUniversity Estatal de OklahomaIntellectual Ventures

Related Articles