How Long Does A Tyrannosaurus Rex Live ?
Researchers are undecided about the lifespan of dinosaurs though it is generally accepted to be between the ages of 20 and 40. After recent studies, researchers have arrived at the conclusion that body temperatures of dinosaurs were in direct proportion to their size. And, ultimately their size was determined by this body temperature. |
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This theory has put paid to the earlier belief that dinosaurs were cold-blooded and relied largely on the sun for their metabolic and other bodily functions. It is also accepted that the body temperature was self regulatory. T. Rex is believed to have had a body temperature of 91º F. At a length of 40 feet, this carnivorous biped might be considered mid-size
Considerable studies were done on a collection of fossils excavated in Canada, mainly by concentrating on the growth lines in metatarsals or bones in the foot. The outcome has helped scientists to obtain a reasonably fair assessment of the lifespan of dinosaurs. Their conclusions were that the mortality rate during the first two years of life was particularly high presumably due to attacks from other predators. They reached peak maturity at around the age of 16 and eventually went on to live to an average age of 30. These ages are however highly speculative.
A T. Rex skeleton almost 90% complete was discovered in 1990 and was studied in detail. It was believed that the T. Rex in question reached full size at the age of 19 after which it stopped growing. It died at 28 -- 67 million years ago -- though not of natural causes but because of a bite to the head.
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