Tyrannosaurus Rex, or T-Rex, is one of the most recognizable and fascinating dinosaurs to ever roam the Earth. If you’re a dinosaur enthusiast, you’re probably wondering what makes the T-Rex so special. Here are some fun facts about everyone’s favorite predator.
1. Size Matters
T-Rex was one of the largest carnivorous dinosaurs that ever lived. It stood 20 feet tall, measured 40 feet long from head to tail, and could weigh up to 14,000 pounds. T-Rex was so big and powerful that only a few other predators could have survived an encounter with it.
2. Big Brain, Small Hands
Contrary to popular belief, T-Rex had tiny hands in relation to its colossal body. The hands were only about two feet long, and the fingers had no usable claws. However, T-Rex made up for its lack of hands with a massive and highly developed brain, which made it one of the smartest dinosaurs of all time.
3. Ferocious Bite
T-Rex had an incredibly powerful bite. Its jaws were capable of exerting a force of up to 12,800 pounds, which was enough to crush bone. T-Rex’s teeth were also large, sharp, and serrated like steak knives, which enabled the T-Rex to tear through flesh and even crush through a car.
4. Speed Demon
For being so large, T-Rex was surprisingly fast. It could run at speeds of up to 20 miles an hour. The T-Rex’s muscular legs and long tail helped to balance its massive head and body, which gave it the agility needed to take down prey.
5. Short Reign
The T-Rex’s rule as king of the carnivores was short-lived. Experts believe that T-Rex only lived for about 2.5 million years. Its extinction came about 65 million years ago when the Earth was hit by a massive asteroid, which caused a mass extinction of the dinosaurs.
