US archaeologists unearth first footprints of running T-Rex: ‘Incredibly rare’
Archaeologists unearthed the first known adult Tyrannosaurus rex footprints in the North Dakota badlands. The discovery consists of a continuous trackway that provides the first direct locomotion data for an adult T. rex. Analysis reveals the dinosaur had a 13-foot stride and traveled at a speed comparable to a human walking at a brisk pace. A schoolteacher discovered the trail, which scientists describe as incredibly rare.
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- ✓ The first known adult T. rex footprints were found in North Dakota.
- ✓ The discovery is a continuous trackway of an adult Tyrannosaurus rex.
- ✓ A schoolteacher found the Tyrannosaurus trail.
What changed
Researchers identified a continuous adult T. rex trackway in North Dakota providing specific stride and speed data.
Live updates
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Archaeologists discover first adult T. rex trackway in North Dakota
Archaeologists unearthed the first known adult Tyrannosaurus rex footprints in the North Dakota badlands. The discovery consists of a continuous trackway that provides the first direct locomotion data for an adult T. rex. Analysis reveals the dinosaur had a 13-foot stride and traveled at a speed comparable to a human walking at a brisk pace. A schoolteacher discovered the trail, which scientists describe as incredibly rare.
Why it matters
Most T. rex knowledge comes from skeletal remains rather than footprints. This trackway allows researchers to observe actual movement patterns rather than relying on computer models.
What is confirmed
- The first known adult T. rex footprints were found in North Dakota.
- The discovery is a continuous trackway of an adult Tyrannosaurus rex.
- A schoolteacher found the Tyrannosaurus trail.
Still unconfirmed
- The adult dinosaur had a 13-foot stride and moved as fast as a human walking at a brisk pace.
- The footprints are described as incredibly rare.
What to watch next
- Peer-reviewed publication of the locomotion data
- Identification of other trackways in the North Dakota badlands
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (7)
- theguardian.com — One giant step: first known adult T rex footprints found in North Dakota
- National Geographic — How an Unlikely Fossil Hunter Found a Tyrannosaurus Trail
- New York Post — US archaeologists unearth first footprints of running T-Rex: ‘Incredibly rare’
- CBS News — First-ever adult Tyrannosaurus rex trackway discovered in North Dakota badlands
- 9News — Colorado scientists make history, uncover Tyrannosaurus rex footprints
- gizmodo.com — Massive Footprints Found in North Dakota Reveal How T. Rex Walked
- www.yahoo.com — Captured Mid-Step: First Continuous Adult T. Rex Trackway Discovered in North Dakota
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