New theory explains why the mighty T. Rex had such tiny arms - KidsNews
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The T. Rex's comically tiny arms finally have a scientific explanation — and it turns evolutionary theory on its head by framing a seeming weakness as a survival advantage.
Natural SelectionEvolutionary Trade-off TheoryAdaptationismVestigial Structures
Theory Briefing
- T. Rex stretched up to 12 metres long, yet its arms were so short they couldn't even reach its mouth — a puzzle that has baffled scientists for decades.
- The new theory suggests small arms prevented accidental bites from other T. Rex during group feeding frenzies, making the trait an adaptive advantage.
- This flips the classic 'use it or lose it' evolutionary logic — the arms didn't shrink from neglect but may have been actively selected for shortness.