Tyrannosaurus is a genus of coelurosaurian theropod dinosaur. The species Tyrannosaurus rex, often called simply T. rex or colloquially Rex, is one of the most well-represented of the large theropods. Fossils are found in a variety of rock formations dating to the Maastrichtian age of the upper Cretaceous Period, 67 to 65 million years ago. It was one of the last non-avian dinosaurs to exist prior to the Cretaceous–Paleogene extinction event. Like most other tetanurae, Tyrannosaurus was bipedal and long-limbed. However, it grew much larger than any other known terrestrial predator, with an average length over 12 m (39 ft 4 in) and weight exceeding 7 metric tons (15,000 lb).
Most specimens measure between 9 and 13 m (30 and 43 ft) in length though rare colossal examples have been discovered measuring up to 18 m (59 ft) long. Femurs have been recovered which exceed 3 m (9 ft 10 in) in length—specimens belonging to USNM 9360 measure approximately 3.17 m (10 ft 5 in). Reaching its mature size by around 15 years old, Tyrannosaurus had one of longest lifespans among non-avialan dinosaurs; fossil evidence suggests that some individuals could live up to 30–35 years old—making it comparable with many mammals today in terms of longevity despite its large size..
Tyrannosaurus was covered in short feathers that were present on much of its body including along its tail and back end as well as down its arms giving it a “furry” appearance overall similar to that seen on many smaller coelurosaurs such as compsognathids or dromaeosaurids. Its head also sported small bumps which may have borne quill-like feathers although no direct evidence has been found for this yet outside taxa more closely related to birds such as oviraptorosaurs.. In 2010 scientists discovered direct evidence that at least some tyrannosaurs did indeed possess protofeathers after all: fossilized skin impressions from two juvenile specimens preserved what appear to be compounds made up of filaments very similar structurally to modern feathers but without any barbules or vanes.. These structures were not actual feathers but rather precursors known as filamentous integumentary structures which may have served multiple functions such as insulation or display.. Nevertheless their presence does indicate that at least some tyrannosaurs were feathered and this plumage almost certainly extended across much if not all members of the clade making them among the best known examples of feathered dinosaurs outside avialans..
Despite being one of largest carnivores ever terrestrial animals Tyrannosaurus was nevertheless outcompeted by another contemporaneous predator ceratosaurus Which commonly preyed upon same herbivorous dinosaurs As tyrannosaurus But Was less specialized And Therefore Able To Survive In A Wider Range Of Environments And Food Sources When Competition From The Latter intensified
Tyrannosaurus had an unusually wide mouth equipped with up 60 sharp teeth each nearly 15 cm (6 inches) long It bit With Incredible force estimated at 35000 newtons This enabled It To crush even bones Which would otherwise resist breakage And puncture flesh Of Large Prey items Such As Hadrosaurs Or Ceratopsians
It Is Thought That Juvenile Specimens Fed On Smaller Animals While Adults Targeted Larger Ones Due To Their Greater Size And Strength But There Is Some Evidence That Even Adult Tyrant Dinosaurs May Have Engaged In Scavenging Behaviour On Occasion
Although Most Feeding Studies Suggest That Tyrannosaurs Were Pure Carnivores New Research Indicates That They May Have Occasionally Consumed Vegetation If Given The Chance This Would Not Necessarily Mean They Were Strictly Omnivorous – Rather That They Were Flexible In Their Diet And Able To Take Advantage Of Whatever Food sources were Available To Them Regardless Of Whether They Were Animal Or Plant Based
One Way In Which Scientists Know That Some Dinosaurs Ate Plants Is By Studying Their Teeth Because Different Types Of Wear Can Be Seen On Teeth Depending On What Kind Of Food Was Eaten For Example One Study FoundThat Some Edmontonian SpecimensOf Albertosaurus – A Contemporaneous RelativeOf Tyrannosaurus – Showed SignsOf Wear IndicativeOf A Mixed Carnivore/herbivore Diet.”’