Scientists from the Institute for Dinosaur Research at the University of Fukui Prefecture in Japan found that Tyrannosaurus Rex had nerve endings in its lower jaw, allowing it to better recognize individual parts of its prey.

The research is published in the journal Historical Biology.

Scientists have used computed tomography to analyze and reconstruct the mandible of a Tyrannosaurus Rex.

Then they compared their reconstruction with the skulls of other dinosaurs, as well as living crocodiles and birds, were able to describe the neurovascular channels of Tyrannosaurus.

The researchers determined that the nerve endings of the lower jaw in the Tyrannosaurus rex functioned as a sensitive sensor that helped to recognize different parts of the prey, in particular, to distinguish meat from bones.

“It should be noted that the sensitivity of the muzzle in Tyrannosaurus was probably not as developed as in crocodiles, since in Tyrannosaurus, unlike in modern crocodiles, the neurovascular canal was not occupied by thick nerve tissue.

However, the sensitivity of the Tyrannosaurus rex's muzzle is significantly higher than that of the Ornithischian dinosaurs compared in this study, ”explains the study's lead author, Soichiro Kawabe, Doctor of the Institute for Dinosaur Research at the University of Fukui Prefecture.

  • Suspected location of nerves in the lower jaw of Tyrannosaurus (orange)

  • © taylorandfrancisgroup.com

In addition, scientists have suggested that such neurovascular channels are present in the upper jaw of a Tyrannosaurus rex.

“The present study shows that the mandible of the Tyrannosaurus rex, especially the anterior dentary, has complex branching neurovascular canals.

Presumably, an equally complex branching neurovascular canal should be present in his upper jaw, ”says Soichiro Kawabe.

The nerve endings on the jaws of tyrannosaurs also allowed them to maintain intraspecific communication, the researchers said.