News Paleontology

T. rex’s silly-looking arms were built for slashing

Robust bones and bearlike claws suggest the dino’s ridiculously small limbs were far from useless

Tyrannosaurus rex

ARMED AND DANGEROUS  Tyrannosaurus rex may have used its small arms for slashing prey.

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By Carolyn Gramling

- More than 2 years ago

SEATTLE — Tyrannosaurus rex may have had small arms, but it was no pushover.

This fierce dinosaur is known for its giant head, powerful jaws and overall fearsome appearance — except for those comical-looking arms.