What is a brief description of T. rex?

Overview

Tyrannosaurus rex, commonly known as T. rex, is one of the most well-known dinosaurs that ever roamed the Earth. This massive carnivore lived during the late Cretaceous period, approximately 68 million years ago. It is recognized for its powerful build, fearsome predatory skills, and remarkable anatomical features.

Physical Characteristics

The name Tyrannosaurus rex translates to "king of the tyrant lizards." Adult T. rex specimens could reach lengths of 40 feet and heights of up to 12 feet, making it roughly the size of a school bus. Estimates suggest they weighed between 5.5 to 8 tons.

This dinosaur was built for dominance. Its powerful hind limbs allowed it to utilize its weight effectively as it stalked both living prey and carcasses. The T. rex had sharp, serrated teeth—around 60 in total—each measuring approximately 8 inches in length, which were designed to effectively tear and grip flesh. Its massive jaws could exert up to six tons of bite force, strong enough to crush bones.

Vision and Senses

The T. rex was not just powerful; it also had an exceptional sense of smell. Research has indicated that its brain was equipped to process olfactory signals not unlike the amount found in modern-day house cats. This keen sense of smell likely aided T. rex in hunting and locating potential mates.

Weaknesses