Does anyone know?

Question

I've heard rumors that T-rex are not big predators, but just a big scavenger due to it's weak tiny arms (said by my friend) and other features (if any) that I would love to know. Is that true? If it is support your answer fully plz? and if not, why dont you think so?

Answer 1

I would agree with some of Tiger Tracks responses. The muscularature (which can be determined by muscle scars on the long bones - muscle origination and insertion) typifies that of a short distance "sprinter". They would be unable to run down their prey (endurance) and therefore would have to be either opportunistic or ambush predators. If a T.rex were to run at high speed, the chances of falling are fairly significant, and due to the weight of the skull and inablity to catch itself, it would likely die due to the impact. Therefore, it would be unlikely that these guys would run at high speed which would be necessary to chase down certain prey types.

The eye-ridges resemble those found on birds of prey, which shade the eye and allow keep perception. The forward facing eyes (binocular) allow for depth perception typical of predators (or arboreal spp!). I personally don't believe that T.rex only detected prey based on movement, this is not a good adaptation for predators, and morphology tends to show otherwise (eg eye ridges etc). Studies on brain cases have shown that T.rex had a significantly large optic nerve and one of the largest eyes developed. This would be typical of an active or ambush predator rather than a scavenger.

On the other hand C-T scans of the brain case have shown that the olfactory sensors take up more than half the brain capacity, which would tend to point towards a scavenger. Smell, rather than sight would be of higher importance to a scavenger.

Based on C-T scans on the brain case as well as morphology, I would say that T.rex was an ambush predator as well as being opportunistic. The keen eye-sight and musculature suggests an ambush predator. However being a solitary spp. chances of bringing down a prey item without risk of injury aren't always great. He would be relying largely on the massive jaw to take down a prey item rather than by other means. Therefore, I think he would also scavenge or 'steal' prey items from lesser predators whenever the opportunity arose. This would account for the acute sense of smell, which isn't as important in an ambush predator.
Hope that helps!

Answer 2

T-Rex would fall primarily as a "Foraging Scavenger", but also is a "Ambush Predator", when required or when it gets some injured or old-aged animals.
1. Bite Force generated by T-Rex teeth is very less (even as compared to today's alligator. (Scavenger)
2. Femur bone density is less enough not to carry the giant for long runs. (Scavenger)
3. It's legs are not designed for very long chases. Only sprinted ambushes are possible. (Occasional Predator)
4. Eyesight are not very good, so cannot locate prey easily, unless the prey moves. (Scavenger)
5. But, Eyes have binocular vision - a typical requirement of a predator, than that of a scavenger. (Occasional Predator)
6. Good sense of smell, which helps more of scavenging than predation. (Scavenger)

Answer 3

scientists based this off what they have found in terms of the teeth, suggesting they would eat decaying animals on the ground, which will show up in their teeth as part of their diet.

Answer 4

its a hunter/scavenger. it tiny arms are use to hold itself while mating.

Answer 5

Every things has its importance