Investigating T. Rex's Eyesight
In Investigating T. Rex's Eyesight, scientists study a T. rex’s skull using a CT scan to understand the development of its eyesight. This video is excerpted from BBC's Horizon: T. Rex, Warrior or Wimp?, a documentary featuring interviews with T. rex experts from around the world and exploring the science behind the legend of the dinosaur we love to hate.
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Q: What were some of the key size characteristics of T. rex?
A: T. rex stood about 12 feet tall at the hips, was around 40 feet long from head to tail, the length of a double-decker bus, and weighed about 6 tons.
Q: Why was good eyesight important for a predator like T. rex?
A: Good eyesight helped it spot prey from far away. T. rex had sharp vision which allowed it to track and hunt animals. Its eyes were positioned in a way that gave it depth perception, meaning it could judge the distance of its prey to make sure it could catch it.
Q: How did CT scans help scientists learn more about T. rex’s eyesight?
A: CT scans allowed scientists to create detailed 3D images of T. rex’s skull. By studying these scans, scientists discovered that its optic nerve, which controls vision, was connected to the brain in a specific way. This helped the scientists understand how T. rex might have been able to see and hunt prey so effectively.
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