Ancient DNA Tells a Surprising Tale: T. rex Was Related to Chickens and Ostriches
“Maybe many people don’t think and don’t know yet, actually the closest living relatives of Tyrannosaurus rex (T-rex) are birds like chickens and ostriches.”
This revelation came from groundbreaking research published in the journal Science in May 2008. The study, entitled “Molecular Phylogenetics of Mastodon and Tyrannosaurus rex,” was authored by Chris L Organ and a team of scientists.
For years, scientists suspected a connection between dinosaurs and birds based on their shared anatomical features. However, this new research provided the first undeniable molecular evidence to support this theory.
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Uncovering Ancient Molecules: A Lucky Discovery
To definitively prove the relationship between dinosaurs and birds, scientists needed tangible molecular evidence. This posed a significant challenge, as dinosaurs went extinct 65 million years ago.
In a stroke of serendipity, in 2003, scientists Jack Horner and Mary Schweitzer stumbled upon a trove of unfossilized material within a T-Rex bone. “When they had to fly a giant femur from a remote field site in Montana, they broke the bone into two pieces so it could fit in their helicopter,” enabling this pivotal find.
“If they had bigger helicopters, we might never have known that T-rex were related to chickens.”
Though popular culture, particularly the film “Jurassic Park,” suggested that scientists could retrieve dinosaur DNA, this unfortunately isn’t feasible. Instead, the researchers were able to isolate collagen, a structural protein that varies slightly in form across different animal species.
Building a Family Tree: Collagen Tells the Tale
Possessing collagen from the T-Rex, the researchers compared it to that of 21 living animals, including humans, chimpanzees, mice, chickens, ostriches, crocodiles, and salmon.
The results were remarkable: T-rex collagen bore the closest resemblance to those of chickens and ostriches. The next closest match was with crocodiles.
“Chickens and ostriches are only distantly related, so the study doesn’t reveal much about what type of bird might be the famous carnivore’s closest living relative,” observed the scientists.
“Answering that question requires data from more molecules than collagen.
This unexpected discovery challenges long-held assumptions about the evolutionary history of both dinosaurs and birds. It underscores the surprising connections that exist across the animal kingdom.
What groundbreaking discovery in 2008 revealed a surprising connection between Tyrannosaurus rex and birds?
**Introduction**
Welcome back to the show! Today we’re diving deep into the fascinating world of dinosaur evolution with a very special Alex Reed, Dr. Emily Carter, a paleontologist specializing in avian evolution. Dr. Carter, thank you so much for joining us.
**Dr. Carter**
It’s a pleasure to be here.
**Host**
Now, a groundbreaking discovery in 2008 revealed a surprising connection between the mighty Tyrannosaurus rex and everyday birds like chickens and ostriches. Can you tell our viewers more about this incredible finding?
**Dr. Carter**
Absolutely. For a long time, scientists suspected a link between dinosaurs and birds based on their shared traits like skeletal structures and feathers. However, the 2008 study published in *Science*, [[1](https://sciencedigest.org/dinosaurs-with-feathers-the-link-between-birds-and-t-rex/)]led by Dr. Chris Organ, provided the undeniable “smoking gun” – molecular evidence.
They analyzed ancient DNA and collagen fragments from a Tyrannosaurus rex fossil, comparing them to those of modern birds like chickens and ostriches. The results were astonishing.
**Host**
So, the DNA analysis definitively proved that T-Rex was related to birds?
:**Dr. Carter**
Exactly. This wasn’t just a distant relation; the study showed a close evolutionary link. The T. rex lineage eventually gave rise to the astonishing diversity of bird species we see today.
**Host**
That’s mind-blowing! Can you elaborate on how this groundbreaking discovery has changed our understanding of dinosaur evolution?
**Dr. Carter**
It revolutionized the field. It confirmed what we had long suspected: birds weren’t just descendants of dinosaurs, they *are* dinosaurs. The avian dinosaurs, like the Velociraptor, were actually quite bird-like, with feathers and likely even the ability to fly or glide.
This discovery has opened up entirely new avenues of research into the evolution of flight, feather development, and the incredible adaptations that allowed dinosaurs, including our feathered friends, to thrive for millions of years.
**Host**
Dr. Carter, this has been incredibly insightful. Thank you so much for sharing your expertise with us today.
