Paleontologists concluded that Tyrannosaurus rex and related carnivorous dinosaurs likely had lips covering their teeth, based on comparisons with modern birds and reptiles and studies of dinosaur anatomy.
Notes on verification
Confirmed by multiple independent, high-quality sources including the original peer-reviewed Science study and reputable science journalism outlets (Smithsonian, Science News Explores, CBC, National Geographic). Some expert disagreement noted, but the core claim about the study's conclusion and methodology is well-supported. [tier=gold indep_score=0.867 clusters=3 claim_tier=notable]
Sources
- The 11 most astonishing scientific discoveries of 2023 (seed:science_and_space)
- https://www.science.org/content/article/t-rex-lips-new-study-suggests (corroboration)
- https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/t-rex-had-lips-that-concealed-its-teeth-study-says-180981914/ (corroboration)
- https://www.snexplores.org/article/tyrannosaurus-rex-dinosaur-lips (corroboration)