T-Rex arms may have evolved to be short to protect the dinosaurs during 'feeding frenzies'.
T-Rex arms may have evolved to be short for protection
The creatures are one of the most recognisable species of dinosaur but have long been mocked for their tiny arms, although a new study has revealed that there might be a vital evolutionary purpose behind the little limbs.
Kevin Padian, professor of interactive biology and curator at the University of California's Museum of Palaeontology, theorises that T-Rex arms are so short as it reduced the chances of accidental dismemberment when the extinct creatures were eating.
Padian went into more detail about his hypothesis, telling Berkeley News: "What if several adult tyrannosaurs converged on a carcass? You have a bunch of massive skulls, with incredibly powerful jaws and teeth, ripping and chomping down flesh and bone right next to you.
"What if your friend there thinks you're getting a little too close? They might warn you away by severing your arm. So, it could be a benefit to reduce the forelimbs, since you're not using them in predatation anyway."