Tyrannosaurus Rex (Tyrant Lizard)

Basic facts

  • 40 feet (12m) length

  • Late Cretaceous

  • USA

  • Carnivore

Artwork credit: Phil Wilson

In the annals of prehistoric history, one creature stands out as the undisputed king of the carnivorous dinosaurs: Tyrannosaurus. This formidable predator roamed the Earth during the Late Cretaceous period, captivating our imagination with its power and dominance.

Tyrannosaurus rex, commonly known as T. rex, is a genus of theropod dinosaur belonging to the family Tyrannosauridae. It lived approximately 68 to 66 million years ago in what is now North America. The first fossils of T. rex were discovered in the early 1900s, with subsequent findings unearthing a wealth of well-preserved specimens, providing invaluable insights into this apex predator.

Tyrannosaurus rex was a giant carnivorous dinosaur, characterized by its massive size and iconic features. It could reach lengths of up to 12 to 15 meters (40 to 50 feet) and stood at an impressive height of about 5 to 6 meters (16 to 20 feet). Its robust skull, armed with rows of sharp, serrated teeth, was designed for tearing flesh. T. rex had short, powerful arms with two-fingered hands and long, muscular hind limbs, indicating its adaptability for swift movement and capturing prey.