The iconic Tyrannosaurus Rex from Jurassic Park is one of the most instantly recognizable prehistoric creatures of all time. But the T. Rex of our dreams might not be completely accurate. Recent research has revealed that the giant lizard not only had lips, but might have also been pink.
Researchers from the Natural History Museum in London studied the skulls of two T. Rex specimens to gain an understanding of their appearance. By examining the fossilized skin and muscle structures, they were able to form a realistic picture of their anatomy.
The research concluded that the T. Rex had skin that was not only scale-like, but also thickly coated with fat, suggesting that it had small lips that surrounded its snout. The research also concluded that the T. Rex likely had a pinkish hue, due to the abundance of blood vessels in its skin. This is similar to the coloration of modern lizards, such as the Komodo dragon.
The idea of a T. Rex with lips may be surprising, but it turns out that this was a common feature in other members of its family. Fossils from other two-legged predatory dinosaurs reveal a similar arrangement of thick skin and fatty tissue around their snouts, suggesting that the T. Rex was simply following the trend.
It’s unclear how the new research will affect the depiction of T. Rex in popular culture. It’s unlikely that the soft, pink-hued lips of the dinosaur will find their way into Hollywood movies any time soon. But the new evidence does allow us to gain a better understanding of what these creatures looked like in real life.
Whether we choose to believe it or not, the T. Rex had lips. The iconic dinosaur of our dreams may have been more than just a giant lizard, but a giant mammal with scaly skin and luscious lips. Perhaps it’s time to revamp our view of the famous creature.
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