# Tyrannosaurus rex thermoregulation research

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/tyrannosaurus-rex-thermoregulation-research
> Updated: 2026-09-18T04:40:42.000Z. Sources: 32. Developments: 2.

Researchers have determined that the Tyrannosaurus rex was a warm-blooded predator with an estimated internal body temperature of approximately 36 degrees Celsius (97 degrees Fahrenheit). This finding, published in the journal Science Advances, suggests the species possessed an active metabolism similar to modern humans and elephants.

To reach this conclusion, a team including scientists from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) utilized clumped-isotope analysis on fossilized tooth enamel. By examining the chemical bonds between carbon and oxygen isotopes in teeth from a specimen named ‘Thomas’ at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, researchers reconstructed the temperature at which the minerals formed.

A significant aspect of this breakthrough is a refined geochemical technique that requires 90% less fossil material than previous methods. This allows for precise testing without causing significant damage to museum specimens. The discovery supports theories that T. rex was an active organism capable of inhabiting diverse environments, including cooler regions of prehistoric North America.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-18: T. rex body temperature estimated at 36 degrees Celsius

A new study published in Science Advances uses clumped-isotope analysis of fossil teeth to reveal that T. rex was warm-blooded, with an estimated body temperature of 36 degrees Celsius.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/t-rex-body-temperature-estimated-at-36-degrees-celsius

### 2026-09-15: Tyrannosaurus rex body temperature confirmed as warm-blooded

A new study using fossilized tooth enamel analysis reveals that Tyrannosaurus rex was warm-blooded, with a body temperature of approximately 36°C, similar to modern humans.

27 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tyrannosaurus-rex-adult-footprints-discovered-in-north-dakota

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Cite as: Tyrannosaurus rex thermoregulation research. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/tyrannosaurus-rex-thermoregulation-research
