Toronto, Feb 29 (IANS) Serrated teeth lent an unparalled cutting-edge to T. Rex, the most fearsome dinosaur, says a new study.
Until recently, most researchers only noted the varying size of T. Rex’s teeth. But now a paleontologist has discovered that beyond the obvious difference in size of each tooth family, there is considerable variation in the serrated edges of the teeth.
These varying edges not only enabled T. Rex’s very strong teeth to cut through flesh and bone, the placement and angle of the teeth also directed food into its mouth, The Canadian Journal of Earth Science reported.
University of Alberta paleontologist Miriam Reichel analyzed the teeth of the entire tyrannosaurid family of meat-eating dinosaurs and found T. Rex had the greatest variation in tooth morphology or structure, said a university statement.
The dental specialization was a great benefit for a dinosaur whose preoccupation was ripping other dinosaurs apart.
Reichel concluded: “T. Rex’s front teeth were designed for gripping and pulling, while the teeth along the side of the jaw punctured and tore flesh, and teeth at the back of T. rex’s mouth not only did some slicing and dicing, they also forced food to the back of the throat.”
