For years, scientists believed that the mighty Tyrannosaurus rex was a powerful predator but not particularly fast. Many earlier studies suggested the giant dinosaur likely moved slowly because of its huge size and weight. However, new research is now challenging that idea and offering a surprising possibility about how fast the famous dinosaur could really run. A new scientific study suggests that T. rex may have been fast enough to outrun the fastest human ever recorded, Olympic sprinter Usain Bolt. Researchers from the College of the Atlantic studied how the dinosaur’s feet touched the ground while running and found evidence that it may have moved differently than scientists once believed.
How scientists think T. rex moved faster
Earlier research assumed that T. rex ran flat-footed, which would have made the dinosaur slower and less agile. But the new study suggests the giant predator may actually have run on its toes, similar to the way modern birds move today.
Running on its toes would have allowed the dinosaur to move more efficiently and possibly increase its speed by around 20% compared with earlier estimates. Scientists believe that younger T. rex individuals, which were lighter and more agile than fully grown adults, could have been especially fast runners.
During his famous 100-metre world-record race in 2009, Usain Bolt reached a top speed of about 44 kilometres per hour. Researchers say a young T. rex might have been able to reach similar or even higher speeds over short distances, which would have made it a very dangerous hunter.
The findings were published in the scientific journal Royal Society Open Science. Scientists say the study helps improve our understanding of how dinosaurs moved, hunted and lived millions of years ago, while also showing how new research can change long-standing scientific ideas.
Did You Know?
Tyrannosaurus rex lived about 68–66 million years ago during the Late Cretaceous period. The giant dinosaur could grow up to about 12 metres long and weigh around 8,000–9,000 kilograms.
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