New Research Shows Humans Could Outrun T. Rex

bongey writes: T-Rex would have a hard time even catching an average human running, much less Usain Bolt or Jeeps, without shattering their legs into pieces. New research based on simulations that include the load on the bones show that T-Rex would have a hard time running faster than 12 miles per hour (5.4 meters per second) without bones breaking. The new research correlates to speeds calculated from adolescence sized T-Rex dinosaur footprints in 2016, which showed walking speeds to be only 2-5mph, and estimated running speeds 11-18 mph. Gizmodo notes that while T. rex was unable to pursue its prey at high speeds, high speed is a relative term. "For reference, typical humans can sprint anywhere between eight to 15 miles per hour (elite athletes can exceed 20 mph). So to outrun a T. rex, many animals -- or fictional humans -- would still have to run like hell."

Comments

Scavenger

[Lennie]

While there seem to be a large number of people who keep thinking T-Rex is a hunter.

Have to say, I'm more and more in the camp which suggest that T-Rex is more like a vulture. T-Rex has a big noose, body for long walks, not sprints, etc.

Re:One Swallow Does Not A Summer Make

[phayes]

Sometimes the best answer to some questions is "that cannot be determined with the available facts" and that indeed seems to be the case here.

Their methodology in determining the speed of a (assumed healthy) T-Rex (assumed to be) walking at it's best speed contains too many assumptions that _cannot_ be proven to be reliable. The parable of the blind men that each examined a different part of an elephant and gave different descriptions applies here -- It's a wall said the one that touched it's ribcage, no it's a tree-trunk, said the one that touched it's foot/leg, no, it's a spear said the one who touched a tusk, etc.

Their work is of some interest and may indeed help to determine T-Rex's top speed -- if it is corroborated with other sources that do not use the same assumptions.