Computer simulation reveals the behemoth's true strength

Feb 29, 2012 10:00 GMT  ·  By

Scientists have been debating what Tyrannosaurs Rex was really capable of doing for many years, and one of the main topics for discussion was the strength of the giant lizard's bite. A new study settles the issue, showing that the dinosaur had the strongest bite ever known.

In a study published in the February 28 online issue of the esteemed journal Biology Letters, researchers explain how they compiled a computer model meant to establish how strong T. Rex could bite. It was revealed that the creature could exert 5,800 kilograms of force with a single back tooth.

Those were its strongest teeth, scientists explain. What this implies is that the beast could indeed feast on large herbivores such as Triceratops, which had impressive armor and were capable of self-defense.

This level of strength exceeds that of modern alligators 10 times over. Previously, it was calculated that T. Rex could only deliver 1,350 kilograms of force to its back teeth, Science Now reports.