T Rex had scaly skin rather than feathers, claims study

Scientists in a new study claim that Tyrannosaurus rex most likely had scaly skin despite its ancestors having feathers. Recent studies provided evidence for feathers in its ancestors and suggested that the giant predator may itself have sported bird-like plumage rather than reptilian scales.

According to the reports, Phil Bell, a paleontologist at Australia’s University of New England said the new research “shows without question that T. rex had scaly skin”.

Researchers analysed fossil evidence that suggests T rex had scales much like modern reptiles rather than feathers or fluff. The team investigated skin impressions from a T rex skeleton known as Wyrex, unearthed in Montana in the US.

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The study published in journal Biology letters suggest that the giant tyrannosaurs lost their feathers over time because they no longer needed them as insulation.

The fossil integument (outer covering) from T rex and other members of the group confirm that “these large-bodied forms possessed scaly reptilian-like skin, researchers said.