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Why were T. rex’s arms so tiny? Paleontologists finally find an answer.

Popular Science·Andrew Paul·3 days ago
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#popsci#arms#scherer#jaws#theropods#claws
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At least five groups of theropods all gradually relied more on their jaws than front claws. Credit: Orla via Shutterstock Get the Popular Science daily newsletter💡 Breakthroughs, discoveries, and DIY tips sent six days a week. By signing up, you confirm you are 16+, will receive newsletters and promotional content and agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe at any time. Tyrannosaurus rex is iconic for its ferocity and big teeth, as well as those teeny-tiny arms. The Cretaceous Period apex predator wasn’t the only carnivore with underdeveloped forelimbs, however. At least five groups of two-legged, mostly meat-eating theropod dinosaurs experienced a shortening of the upper arms over the course of their evolutionary journey. But why did they have such comically small claws? One team of researchers believes the answer is simple. “It’s a case of ‘use it or lose it,’” University College London paleontologist Charlie Scherer said in a statement.…

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