The T-rex, or Tyrannosaurus is the most well-known of all dinosaurs and one of the most misunderstood. The great carnivore has been depicted in many stories and films since its discovery by Barnum Brown, and nearly every kid interested in dinosaurs has a toy of one.
The T-rex is one of the last of its kind, evolving simultaneously with its prey, Triceratops. It marks the end of an evolutionary arms race, 2 million years before the dinosaurs are completely wiped out. Both of these dinosaurs’ ancestors have and fought together, predator hunting prey. While it doesn’t look like it, the modern chicken is one of the closest relatives to the T-rex.
The T-rex’s appearance in Jurassic Park made it a celebrity. However, its public appearance was completely inaccurate. In the scene where the predator chases a jeep, it is shown running at 35 mph, something a real T-rex would have never done. It would have actually walked at a fast pace of 25 mph, and wouldn’t have been able to keep up with a jeep. Not to mention, it’s dark brownish color and scaly skin wasn’t completely right. T-rex probably had a bit of fluff on its neck and limbs, residual traits from older ancestors.
T-rex was hypercarnivorous, and would have eaten quite a bit of meat. Its main prey would have been Triceratops, even though it is still a bit dubious whether epic face-offs with horns and teeth. Another myth about the T-rex is that its arms were completely useless, but not so. The T-rex’s tiny arms were used to help it get up after resting. The carnivore probably hunted in family groups, like its cousin Albertosaurus, unlike in popular portrayal.
Well, I hope that you learned something new about T-rex!
Anay Ganesh 