‘Jurassic Park’ got T. rex wrong? Study reveals giant had ostrich-like gait and toe-first foot structure

The Tyrannosaurus rex has always been shown as a slow, heavy dinosaur with powerful, flat steps that shook the ground. But a new scientific study is now adding a different angle to that long-standing image. Researchers suggest that this giant predator may have moved in a way that is closer to modern birds than to reptiles.

The study, published in the journal Royal Society Open Science, takes a closer look at how the T. rex foot actually functioned during movement.

Rethinking how T. rex used its feet

The study questions the old idea that T. rex walked with its full foot touching the ground.

Instead, it suggests a walking style called digitigrade movement. This means walking mainly on the toes while the heel stays raised.

This is how birds move today. The research says T. rex may have used a similar style, which could change how we understand its movement.

How the study was done

The research was carried out by Adrian Tussel Boeye along with Kyle Logan Atkins-Weltman, J. Logan King, and Scott Swann. The work involved institutions including the College of the Atlantic, Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, and Colorado Northwestern Community College.

The team used biomechanics, which is the study of how bodies move using science and physics.

They focused on a simple question. How did the T. rex's foot touch the ground?

To answer this, they studied fossil bones and built movement models. These models tested three ways of walking. Heel first, middle foot, and toe first.

The results showed that the toe movement fits best with the evidence.

What fossil tracks show

The study also examined fossil footprints, a field known as ichnology.

These tracks help scientists understand how dinosaurs may have moved on real ground.

In many large dinosaur footprints, deeper marks appear near the toe area. This supports the idea that more weight may have been on the front part of the foot.

But the researchers also noted that footprints depend on surface conditions like mud or soft soil. So they are useful, but not always perfect evidence.

How fast could T. rex move

The study also gives basic speed estimates for T. rex.

Adult T. rex may have moved at speeds between 11 and 25 miles per hour, depending on size and age.

Younger T. rex were likely faster, while very large adults, including known specimens like Sue, were slower.

The study also suggests that toe-first movement could increase speed estimates by about 20 percent compared to flat foot movement.

These are short burst speeds, not long-distance running speeds.
Thumb image: Canva (for representative purposes only)