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Dinosaurs and Iron plated teeth

27 July 2024
Biology, Palaeontology

At https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/07/240724123027.htm … scientists assess – how large dinosaurs could really get. Using AI. What could go wrong. They use the carnivore Tyrannosaurus Rex as an example as it is well known, from fossils. Using computer modelling experts produced an estimate that T Rex might have grown as big as 70 per cent heavier that what the fossil evidence has so far produced. This is, apparently, the maximum possible size – but this depends on whether a truly big beast will yet be dug out of the rock strata.

It seems most dinosaur species are only known from a handful of specimens. It is unlikely that these include the biggest individuals – and the same goes for sex difference. Females are often the smaller of the species – but not always.

At https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/07/240724123055.htm … scientists have discovered that the serrated edges of the teeth of Komodo dragons are tipped with iron. This is how they keep their teeth razor sharp. As such it may present us with a clue as to how T Rex killed and ate his prey.

Komodo dragons are the largest living species of monitor lizards, averaging around 80 kg. Komodo teeth are curled and seem to resemble those of some dinosaur carnivores. Komodos eat smaller reptiles, birds, up to bigger animals such as deer, horses, and water buffalo. They pull and tear at their prey in order to rip their flesh apart. In fact, many reptiles seem to have the same iron in their teeth – but not to the same extent as the Komodos. Was it handed down from the dinosaurs?

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