The function of the T-Rex’s small arm may already be a question for many. The reason is, the small arm that is on the Tyrannosaurus Rex or better known as the T-Rex, it does look weird.
The T-Rex itself is the most terrifying ancient predator. So far they are present in various films and become the most vicious.
One of the characteristics of this meat-eating dinosaur is the presence of small arms on its body. What is the function of this tiny body part?
Also Read: Tyrannosaurus Rex Species, Divided Into Three Types?
What Exactly is the Function of the T-Rex’s Small Arm?
Studying dinosaurs is quite complicated. The reason, these animals have become extinct millions of years ago.
As a result, researchers can only conduct research through fossils. One of the phenomenal types of dinosaurs is the T-Rex.
It is a carnivorous or meat-eating dinosaur. In their latest research, scientists have uncovered the function of the small arms that are characteristic of the T-Rex’s body.
It was successfully revealed after the discovery of the latest giant predatory dinosaurs in the United States. The dinosaur, named Meraxes Gigas, also had disproportionately short upper arms.
The skull of Meraxes Gogas is decorated with crests, grooves, protrusions, to small horns. They reach 36 feet in length and weigh 4 tons.
This species helps explain the function of the T-Rex’s tiny arms that has baffled paleontologists for decades.
According to scientists, the function of these small arms is to grip their partner tightly during sex.
In addition, they also found the fact that the bigger the head, the smaller the arms.
Also Read: Meraxes Gigas Dinosaur Findings Similar to T-Rex, This Is What It Looks Like
Useless for Hunting
The research project leader, Dr Juan Canale of the Ernesto Bachmann Museum of Paleontology in Neuquen, Argentina said the tiny arms were clearly useless for hunting.
“The act of predation is most likely done with the head. I also tend to think of the use of their arms for other types of activities,” he explains.
Dr Juan believes that the dinosaur’s tiny arms gave it some sort of survival advantage. Sex function and balance are the most likely possibilities.
T-Rex and Meraxes will use their small arms to get back up after a break or fall, as well as hold the female during breeding season.
Also Read: The Most Complete Triceratops Horridus Fossil Finding Will Be on Exhibition Soon!
Mengenal Meraxes Gigas
Meraxes is the newest dinosaur species belonging to the bipedal theropod group, commonly known as Carcharodontosauridae.
According to estimates, Meraxes lived about 90 million years ago in the region around Northern Patagonia or what is now Argentina. The identified fossils were probably around 45 years old at the time of his death and belonged to a large family.
This species also has small arms similar to the T-Rex. This then makes the function of the small arms of the T-Rex and the arms of the Meraxes Gigas the same, which is most likely for balance and also for their mating. (R10/HR-Online)
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