Analysis of a 66-million-year-old T. rex tooth indicates the dinosaur had a body temperature around 95 degrees Fahrenheit, similar to that of modern humans and elephants.

Science Daily, Ars Technica · Science & Medicine

20 Sept 2026

What it means

Researchers analyzed the chemical composition of 66-million-year-old T. rex to estimate the dinosaur's body temperature. They found it was around 95–97°F (35–36°C), nearly identical to modern humans and elephants, providing strong evidence that T. rex was (endothermic) like birds and mammals, not cold-blooded like reptiles.

Accuracy & sourcesGrounded

The claim is based on a peer-reviewed study published in Science Advances, using of tooth enamel—a well-established paleothermometry method. Reporting by Science Daily and Ars Technica closely reflects the primary source, and the finding is consistent across multiple news outlets, though the exact temperature varies slightly (95–97°F). The provenance tier (reputable secondary reporting on a named primary source) supports high confidence.

How new

Genuinely new: the study was published in September 2026, and the reporting appeared on the same date.

Analysis of a 66-million-year-old T. rex tooth indicates the dinosaur had a body temperature around 95 degrees Fahrenheit, similar to that of modern humans and elephants.

What it means

Accuracy & sourcesGrounded

How new

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