It may not come as a huge surprise to anybody who has seen Jurassic Park, but scientists have discovered the Tyrannosaurus rex could open its mouth really wide. Recent research revealed that the T. rex could stretch its upper and lower jaws apart to an impressive angle of 80 degrees. This finding indicates that Steven Spielberg’s depiction of this giant predator's gaping mouth was largely accurate.
The Tyrannosaurus was not the only dinosaur with impressive jaw mechanics; the Allosaurus, a smaller carnivore from the same ‘theropod’ group, could open its mouth even wider, gaping up to 92 degrees. This research provides valuable insights into the feeding capabilities of these ancient creatures.
However, despite its ability to open its mouth wide, the T. rex could not achieve the same sustained bite force from various angles as its more famous relative. This capability allowed the T. rex to use its serrated six-inch teeth effectively to crunch through the flesh and bone of its prey. Interestingly, herbivore dinosaurs were found to have smaller jaw gapes, reflecting scientists' knowledge of living plant-eating species.
What You Will Learn
- The jaw mechanics of the Tyrannosaurus rex and its feeding capabilities.
- The comparison of jaw gapes between carnivorous and herbivorous dinosaurs.
- Insights from recent research using computer-generated models of dinosaur jaws.
- The implications of jaw gape on feeding behaviors of theropod dinosaurs.
Lead scientist Dr. Stephan Lautenschlager from the School of Earth Studies at the University of Bristol explained that theropod dinosaurs like the T. rex and Allosaurus are often depicted with widely-opened jaws. This portrayal emphasizes their carnivorous nature, yet no studies have previously focused on the relationship between jaw musculature, feeding styles, and the maximum possible jaw gape.
All muscles, including those used for closing and opening the jaw, can only stretch a certain amount before they tear. This limitation significantly affects how wide an animal can open its jaws and consequently how it feeds. In living animals, carnivores generally exhibit larger jaw gapes than herbivores, and this trend appears to be consistent among theropod dinosaurs.
The research, published in the journal Royal Society Open Science, was conducted using computer-generated virtual models of dinosaur jaws and involved comparisons with modern-day crocodiles and birds. This innovative approach offers a glimpse into the feeding strategies of these ancient creatures and enhances our understanding of their biology.
In summary, the findings emphasize the intricate mechanics of the T. rex's jaw, shedding light on its feeding behavior and offering a better understanding of how these magnificent creatures lived and hunted millions of years ago!
