Summary
A new scientific study has changed how scientists understand the Tyrannosaurus rex. It shows that the dinosaur lived longer and grew to full size much later than previously thought. The study examined growth rings in T. rex bones, revealing that while it grew quickly during a "teenage" phase, it took a longer time to reach full maturity.
Key Facts
- The study was published in the journal PeerJ.
- Researchers studied bone samples from 17 T. rex specimens.
- They used polarized light to see growth rings in the leg bones.
- These rings are like tree rings and show periods of growth.
- Previous estimates were that T. rex reached full size by age 25.
- New findings show T. rex reached full size between 35 and 40 years old.
- The dinosaur showed rapid growth between ages 14 and 29.
- This study used a new statistical method to improve growth data accuracy.
