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Tyrannosaurus Rex Hatchlings Revealed as Size of House Cats in New Study
A recent study published in the journal *Biology* reports the discovery of a juvenile Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton unearthed in the Lance Formation of Wyoming. Advanced synchrotron computed tomography showed that the hatchlings were astonishingly small—comparable in size to a domestic cat—yet already equipped for predatory behavior shortly after birth. The researchers detailed the rapid bone growth patterns and developmental adaptations that allowed these young theropods to become effective hunters despite their diminutive stature.
The findings shed new light on dinosaur reproductive strategies and early life stages, suggesting that T. rex offspring faced intense selection pressures that favored swift maturation. The study also provides high‑resolution images of the bone microstructure, offering a rare glimpse into the physiology of one of the most iconic Cretaceous predators.
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Biology (journal) · Lance Formation · Tyrannosaurus rex · Wyoming