A computer model calculated the walking speed of a Tyrannosaurus
Tyrannosaurus rex had such a leisurely gait that a person could overtake him, scientists from the Netherlands found. They calculated the walking speed of an extinct predator by performing a 3D reconstruction of its tail, according to the Royal Society Open Science.
The model helped to evaluate the tail swing rhythm in combination with stride length. Calculations showed that the tyrannosaurus moved at a speed of approximately 4.6 km / h. This is well below previous estimates and is comparable to the average speed of elephants, emus, horses and humans.
Previously, scientists estimated the pace of Tyrannosaurus and other “two-legged” dinosaurs at 2-3 meters per second (7.2 – 10.7 km / h). But the authors of the new scientific work applied an original approach.
They used the remains of a female Tyrannosaurus rex named Trix. The complete and perfectly preserved skeleton of this specimen, weighing 6 tons and 13 meters long, was found in the state of Montana.
Trix lived 66 million years ago on the ancient island of Laramidia (now part of North America). Based on the structure of her bones, scientists created a computer model of her body.
The study showed that the tail played an important role in the movement of the tyrannosaurus. It occupied more than half of the body and weighed about 1000 kg (no temporary animal has such a “design”).
But thanks to the spring ligaments between each vertebra, the tail did not interfere, but helped its owner. It swayed up and down with every step they took. The dinosaurs “synchronized” their stride with the frequency of their tail swinging, which helped them expend less energy when walking.
Scientists have recreated its movements and made sure that the predator was a “not very fast” walker. As part of a scientific experiment, they created a full-size copy of Trix using 3D printing. The model weighs about 300 kg and will be transferred to the museum.
Previously, scientists found that pterosaurs had a longer neck than modern giraffes. But thanks to its unique design, it could withstand significant loads.
