Modern birds are direct descendants of Tyrannosaurus rex

The latest studies showed 90% probability that the closest living relatives of the mighty predator Tyrannosaurus rex are modern birds.

Photo: Modern birds are direct descendants of Tyrannosaurus rex

Such a conclusion was made on the basis of molecular data received after extraction and examination of proteins from dinosaur bones. Previous hypothesis upon their kinship was only based on anatomical similarities.

T. rex is said to share more of its genetic makeup with ostriches and chickens than with living reptiles, like alligators. This involved redrawing of the family tree of major vertebrate groups, placing the dinosaur into different evolutionary relationships.

The study was conducted thanks to a 68 million-year-old T. rex excavated in 2003 by John R. Horner of Montana State University.

Now you can make a conclusion: birds are living dinosaurs.

Photo: scientists.dmns.org