T. rex teeth indicate it ran as warm as an elephant
Summary
Scientists measured the body temperature of the T. rex by studying its fossilized teeth. They found that T. rex had a warm body temperature similar to modern elephants, suggesting it was more active than a cold-blooded reptile.Key Facts
- Researchers used teeth from T. rex fossils found in Montana’s Hell Creek Formation.
- They applied a method called clumped isotope thermometry to measure body temperature.
- This method looks at how certain heavy atoms in tooth enamel group together, which changes with temperature.
- The average body temperature of T. rex was around 36.3°C (about 97.3°F).
- This temperature is close to that of modern elephants and large flightless birds like ostriches.
- Previous methods had trouble because water content affects isotope measurements, but this method avoids that issue.
- The study also compared temperatures with crocodilians, which had cooler body temperatures around 30.9°C (about 87.6°F).
- The research suggests that T. rex was warm-blooded or had a warm-blooded metabolism similar to some birds and mammals.
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