The Real Tyrannosaurus Rex

We all know about the gigantic, roaring beast that has earth-shaking stomps and a bite strong enough to shatter bones. But, do you actually know anything?

Not Talked About Like the Others

Tyrannosaurus rex is probably the most famous dinosaur species in the world. This following statement might not be true, but let's say more people know about Triceratops than T. rex. That still means T. rex is the most famous dinosaur species because T. rex is a species of dinosaur. Triceratops and Velociraptor are both genuses, which are a small group of species.

Why is Tyrannosaurus rex called that and not just Tyrannosaurus, like other dinosaurs?

It all has to do with one thing: Jurassic Park, every paleontologist's arch nemesis. That was a bit of an over-exaggeration, actually. Tyrannosaurus rex was also the first Tyrannosaurus to be found, so naturally, it was more famous than the other species later discovered. But why did Jurassic Park have T. rex and not the others, or just call it the Tyrannosaurus? The other Tyrannosaurus species has now been classified as its own genus, Tarbosaurus. That still does not answer the second part of the question, though. Why is it referred to as Tyrannosaurus rex, not just the genus? Say Tyrannosaurus, then say Tyrannosaurus rex. What sounds cooler/scarier/more powerful? That is what the filmmakers of Jurassic Park had in mind when making the film. That just stuck with the dinosaur. Also, the name meaning sounds more powerful. Tyrannosaurus: "Tyrant Lizard" Tyrannosaurus rex: "King of the Tyrant Lizards."

Why is Tyrannosaurus rex so famous?

You might think that the answer is obvious: "It's the largest carnivorous dinosaur!" If you thought that, you are wrong! Spinosaurus, a possibly bipedal possibly quadrupedal dinosaur is much larger than the "King." Instead, Tyrannosaurus rex is famous because it was the largest at the time of discovery (I think). Also, it has a very menacing and strong appearance, making it the perfect monster. Tyrannosaurus rex is known amongst paleontologists as the best documented mega-theropod.

What it Really Was

Tyrannosaurus rex was an average-looking mega-theropod, but the tyrannosaurs of the West, including T. rex were special for one strange eating habit.

The Strange Eating Habit

Tyrannosaurus rex had an exceptionally strong skull, with equally strong teeth. Because of this, they had a weird eating habit: Puncture-pull feeding. Here is what happens:

1. Sue bites a Triceratops

2. Sue's bite is so strong, the teeth are sent through the bones

3. The teeth are pulled out or broken as the jaw opens

4. The Triceratops is no more

As you can see, Tyrannosaurus rex is unique. If any other theropods tried to do this, their teeth would most certainly break, just like Tyrannosaurus rex, but so will their skulls.

The Damage Resilience

Tyrannosaurus rex was very strong. Not just with muscles, but also had a high health bar, so to speak. There have been fossils with most of the tail missing, with neck and even head bites from rival rexes, and even teeth of rivals in them. These injuries, however, weren't killing blows. We can tell that they survived afterwards long enough for the injuries to partially heal.

The Myths

There are many beliefs surrounding T. rex, from roaring to scavenging. Here, we will look at them and see if they are true or not.

No Moving, no Problem

In JP, the humans that encountered T. rex survived because they didn't move. In the movie, the beast had horrendous eyesight, and couldn't detect its prey. In real life, however, Tyrannosaurus rex had better eyes than an eagle. It could see prey from three miles away.

ANSWER: FALSE!

Stupid Idiots That Just use Muscles

T. rex was one of the smartest theropods! Though it definitely wasn't the smartest, they had a big brain compared to its body size. They likely had strategies for trapping prey, and then demolishing them.

ANSWER: FALSE!

They Were Scavengers!

Why would a scavenger have such strong muscles, such large size, and such good weaponry? They probably did scavenge a little bit, but bite marks of T. rex that have partially healed on other animals, meaning they were attacked when alive.

ANSWER: FALSE!

They were covered in feathers

There is absolutely no evidence of feathers on Tyrannosaurus rex, but they may not have preserved. Even then, the closest Asian relative of Tyrannosaurus rex had feathers on the top of the head, neck, and back. What we can conclude is that Tyrannosaurus rex had feathers, but was not completely coated in them, at least as an adult.

ANSWER: Partially True

Tyrannosaurus rex was not agile

Many people have believed that due to the fact that T. rex was gigantic, and had a long and probably stiff tail, Tyrannosaurus rex was not a good mover. However, like all theropods, T. rex walked on its toes, and kept its heel off the ground. Animals that move like this are very agile and good at turning.

ANSWER: Probably FALSE!

As you can see, Tyrannosaurus rex is very different from what the general public thinks about it. It is not the biggest, not dumb, not clumsy, and had exceptional vision. Tyrannosaurus rex will likely stay the most famous dinosaur of all time, until everyone dies and there is no one who can research dinosaurs.