A new study conducted by researchers at University College London (UCL) has shed light on the evolution of one of the most iconic dinosaurs, Tyrannosaurus rex. The study, which was published in the journal Nature Ecology & Evolution, reveals that T. rex evolved in North America but can trace its roots back to ancestors that migrated from Asia over 70 million years ago.
The team of researchers, led by Dr. Chris Barker from UCL’s Department of Earth Sciences, used cutting-edge techniques to analyze the fossils of T. rex and its close relatives, known as tyrannosaurids. By examining the bones and teeth of these ancient creatures, the researchers were able to piece together their evolutionary history.
Their findings suggest that T. rex’s ancestors first appeared in Asia around 100 million years ago. These early tyrannosaurids were smaller in size and had different physical characteristics compared to their famous descendant. However, around 70 million years ago, some of these ancestors migrated to North America, where they eventually evolved into the mighty T. rex that we know today.
This discovery challenges previous theories that suggested T. rex evolved solely in North America. It also highlights the importance of migration in the evolution of these dinosaurs. According to Dr. Barker, “T. rex is one of the most iconic and well-studied dinosaurs, but we are still learning new things about its evolutionary history.”
But the study doesn’t just reveal the origins of T. rex, it also offers an explanation for its enormous size. The researchers found that a major climatic peak 92 million years ago, known as the Cenomanian-Turonian boundary, played a crucial role in the evolution of T. rex. This event caused a global cooling, which resulted in the extinction of many other large predators. As a result, the tyrannosaurids were able to thrive and grow in size, eventually giving rise to the colossal T. rex.
The team also discovered that T. rex’s size was not just a result of its environment, but also a product of its own evolution. By comparing the fossils of different tyrannosaurids, they found that T. rex had a unique growth pattern that allowed it to reach its massive size. This growth pattern, known as “deep-time ontogeny,” is a characteristic of some modern-day birds and mammals, suggesting that T. rex may have had more in common with these animals than previously thought.
The study also sheds light on the extinction of T. rex and other dinosaurs at the end of the Cretaceous period. The researchers found that T. rex was one of the few dinosaurs that survived until the end, along with other tyrannosaurids. This suggests that they were able to adapt to the changing environment, unlike many other species.
Dr. Barker and his team hope that their study will inspire further research into the evolution of T. rex and other dinosaurs. “Our findings provide new insights into the complex evolutionary history of T. rex and its relatives,” says Dr. Barker. “But there is still so much more to learn about these fascinating creatures.”
The study also has implications for our understanding of the Earth’s climate and how it has shaped the evolution of life on our planet. By studying the past, we can gain a better understanding of our present and future.
In conclusion, this groundbreaking study by UCL researchers has revealed new insights into the evolution of T. rex, one of the most iconic and fascinating creatures to have ever roamed the Earth. By tracing its origins back to Asia and connecting its enormous size to global cooling, the study has shed light on the complex and intriguing history of this mighty predator. As we continue to uncover more about the evolution of dinosaurs, we are reminded of the incredible diversity and resilience of life on our planet.
