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T. rex took 40 years to reach full size, scientists find

A new study of 17 fossils indicates Tyrannosaurus rex took approximately 40 years to reach its full size of roughly eight tons. Researchers suggest this slower growth rate may explain how the predator dominated its environment. This finding extends previous growth estimates by 15 years.

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What changed

New research increases the estimated time T. rex took to reach adulthood from 25 years to 40 years.

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  1. Study Finds T. rex Took 40 Years to Reach Full Size

    A new study of 17 fossils indicates Tyrannosaurus rex took approximately 40 years to reach its full size of roughly eight tons. Researchers suggest this slower growth rate may explain how the predator dominated its environment. This finding extends previous growth estimates by 15 years.

    What's confirmed:

    • T. rex took about 40 years to reach its full size of roughly eight tons.
    • The new findings are based on a study of 17 tyrannosaur fossils.
    • Previous estimates suggested T. rex typically stopped growing around age 25.

    Still unconfirmed:

    • A long childhood helped T. rex dominate the dinosaur world.
    • Slower growth could explain why the king of dinosaurs ruled for so long.
    confidence 90%