New dinosaur fossils with short arms show they could have provided grip during mating
A new fossil of a dinosaur with short arms like Tyrannosaurus rex suggests that its disproportionate size served a purpose. Scientists think the carnivorous animals may have used their tiny appendages to grip one another during mating, or to help them stand up after falling. new dinosaur, Meraxes gigas lived millions of years apart from the infamous T. rex and were apparently not close relatives. The fossil was studied by researchers at the Ernesto Bachmann Museum of Paleontology in Neuquén, Argentina after it was discovered in Patagonia. They also found the species had a large, bumpy skull, possibly used for hunting. Project leader Dr Juan Canale said: ‘Actions related to predation are most likely carried out by the head. ‘I tend to think their arms are used in other kinds of activities. ‘They may have used their arms for reproductive behaviors such as holding the female during mating or supporting themselves to stand back up after a rest or fall.’ Fossils suggest Meraxes gigas