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July 30, 2026Short & citedBlog
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Field Notes • Dinosaur

Tyrannosaurus rex

Tyrannosaurus rex, often called T.

Updated July 30, 20261 min readCited sources

Tyrannosaurus rex, often called T. rex, was a large carnivorous theropod dinosaur that lived in western North America during the Late Cretaceous. It is one of the best-known dinosaurs and a top predator of its ecosystem.

What it is

T. rex was a bipedal predator with a massive head, powerful jaws, and sharp teeth. It is described as one of the largest meat-eating dinosaurs, reaching lengths of over 12 metres and standing about 4 metres tall at the hips.

Where it lived

Fossils have been found in western North America, including both the United States and Canada. T. rex inhabited forested river valleys during the Late Cretaceous, about 68–66 million years ago.

Why it matters

T. rex is one of the best-studied dinosaurs, central to research on dinosaur biology, locomotion, and feeding behaviour. It also has exceptional public recognition in science education and popular culture.

In short

  • One of the largest known carnivorous dinosaurs
  • Lived in western North America (Canada and US)
  • Lived near the end of the Cretaceous, 68–66 million years ago
  • Name means 'king of the tyrant lizards'
Canadian angle

Fossils of Tyrannosaurus rex have been found in Canada, making it relevant to Canadian palaeontology and natural history.[3][8][12]

Quick questions

What does Tyrannosaurus rex mean?
It is commonly translated as “king of the tyrant lizards.”
When did T. rex live?
T. rex lived during the Late Cretaceous, about 68–66 million years ago.
Was T. rex a carnivore?
Yes. T. rex is described as a carnivorous, meat-eating dinosaur.

Sources

  1. National Geographic — https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/facts/tyrannosaurus-rex
    Supports: Late Cretaceous habitat, general description, predator role
  2. Australian Museum — https://australian.museum/learn/dinosaurs/fact-sheets/tyrannosaurus-rex/
    Supports: Date range, western North America distribution, size and significance
  3. Smithsonian Institution — https://www.si.edu/newsdesk/factsheets/tyrannosaurus-rex
    Supports: Name meaning and North American fossil record including Canada and the United States
  4. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/animal/Tyrannosaurus
    Supports: Species overview, predatory dinosaur status, fossils from the United States and Canada
  5. American Museum of Natural History — https://www.amnh.org/dinosaurs/tyrannosaurus-rex
    Supports: Late Cretaceous timing, size estimates, locomotion and general profile