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Tyrannosaurus rex

Tyrannosaurus rex, often called T.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Tyrannosaurus rex, often called T. rex, was a large carnivorous theropod dinosaur that lived in western North America during the Late Cretaceous. It is one of the best-known dinosaurs and is widely described as a top predator of its ecosystem. Fossils have been found in both the United States and Canada.

Description

Tyrannosaurus rex was a large bipedal predatory dinosaur with a massive head, powerful jaws, and sharp teeth. It is commonly described as one of the largest meat-eating dinosaurs.

Distribution and habitat

Fossils of T. rex have been found in western North America, including the United States and Canada. It lived in forested river-valley environments during the Late Cretaceous.

Diet and ecology

T. rex is generally described as an apex predator and carnivore. Sources note that it likely preyed on large herbivorous dinosaurs such as Triceratops and Edmontosaurus.

Scientific significance

T. rex is one of the best-studied dinosaurs and remains central to research on dinosaur biology, locomotion, and feeding behaviour. It also has exceptional public recognition in science education and popular media.

Key facts

  • T. rex was one of the largest known carnivorous dinosaurs.
  • It lived in western North America, including areas that are now Canada and the United States.
  • The species lived near the end of the Cretaceous Period, around 68–66 million years ago.
  • Its name is commonly explained as meaning “king of the tyrant lizards.”
  • It is known from fossils and is among the most famous dinosaurs in popular culture.
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Canadian context

Fossils of Tyrannosaurus rex have been found in Canada, making it relevant to Canadian palaeontology and natural history.[3][8][12]

Frequently asked questions

What does Tyrannosaurus rex mean?
It is commonly translated as “king of the tyrant lizards.”
When did T. rex live?
T. rex lived during the Late Cretaceous, about 68–66 million years ago.
Where did T. rex live?
It lived in western North America, with fossils found in both Canada and the United States.
Was T. rex a carnivore?
Yes. T. rex is described as a carnivorous, meat-eating dinosaur.
Was T. rex the largest dinosaur?
No. It was one of the largest known carnivorous dinosaurs, but not the largest dinosaur overall.

References

  1. National Geographic — https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/facts/tyrannosaurus-rex
    Supports: Late Cretaceous habitat, general description, predator role
  2. Australian Museum — https://australian.museum/learn/dinosaurs/fact-sheets/tyrannosaurus-rex/
    Supports: Date range, western North America distribution, size and significance
  3. Smithsonian Institution — https://www.si.edu/newsdesk/factsheets/tyrannosaurus-rex
    Supports: Name meaning and North American fossil record including Canada and the United States
  4. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/animal/Tyrannosaurus
    Supports: Species overview, predatory dinosaur status, fossils from the United States and Canada
  5. American Museum of Natural History — https://www.amnh.org/dinosaurs/tyrannosaurus-rex
    Supports: Late Cretaceous timing, size estimates, locomotion and general profile