"Hairless!" Dinosaur fossil research subverts the image of Tyrannosaurus rex feathers
Instead of feathers or fine hairs, the massive predator had scales not unlike modern reptiles, the researchers said.
They propose that dinosaurs gave up feathers during evolution because, having grown to such a large size, they no longer needed insulation.
Still, that probably wasn't enough to put an end to the long-running debate about T. rex's size.
One paleontologist argues that we can't afford to throw the massive, shaggy image of a tyrannosaurus behind us now.
Whether the T. rex was covered in scales, feathers, or both has been a mystery due to the lack of fossil evidence.
Some species in the genus Tyrannosaurus have been identified as having primitive feathers, leading to speculation that Tyrannosaurus rex, the king of reptiles, also wore feathers.
But the researchers analyzed the skin impressions of Tyrannosaurus rex fossils named Wyrex unearthed in Montana (Montana), USA, and also studied close relatives of Tyrannosaurus that were active in Asia and other parts of North America during the late Cretaceous period, including Albertosaurus and Gorgosaurus.
A team of researchers led by Dr Phil Bell at the University of New England in Australia said the skin tissue of Wyrex's neck, pelvis and tail exhibited scaly, reptilian-like Animal-like skin.
Writing in Biology Letters , they say fossil integument (outer skin) from Tyrannosaurus rex and other relatives of the genus Evidence demonstrates that "these large-bodied lineages possessed reptilian-like scales. skin".
The researchers imagine that over time, the giant tyrannosaurus lost its feathers because it no longer needed insulatio
However, not all scientists are convinced of this view.
Dr Steve Brusatte of the University of Edinburgh in Scotland said he would not be surprised if the Tyrannosaurus lost or reduced its feathers, as many large animals such as elephants do Same as reducing hair.
Asian elephants have thicker hair than African elephants because they are smaller and live in dense forests where the sun is blocked.
Dr Brusatte added: "But I don't think we can assume that Tyrannosaurus lacked feathers just because some fossils show scaly skin impressions."
"It's an unbelievably lucky thing that feathers are preserved in fossils, and just because we can't see them doesn't mean they weren't there. So I don't think we have to put the big, shaggy image of T. rex behind us just yet. "
The genus Tyrannosaurus was a ferocious and terrifying predator of the late Cretaceous period—65 million to 85 million years ago. They are known for their sharp teeth, small, piercing eyes, and tiny forelimbs.
These include Albertosaurus, Gorgonosaurus, Daspletosaurus, Tarbosaurus, and most notably Tyrannosaurus rex.
