The Truth About Killer Dinosaurs
Encyclopedia
The Truth About Killer Dinosaurs is a two-part BBC
documentary, presented by Bill Oddie
, in which a group of scientists test out the strength of dinosaur
weaponry using biomechanics
. The first episode determines the winner of a battle between Tyrannosaurus
and Triceratops
, and second compares the strength of an ankylosaur and Velociraptor
. The programmes were broadcast on BBC 1 in August and September 2005. In the US, The Truth About Killer Dinosaurs was known as Dinosaur Face-Off.
Triceratops
Velociraptor
Tarbosaurus
Protoceratops
"), there are some minor ambiguities.
BBC
The British Broadcasting Corporation is a British public service broadcaster. Its headquarters is at Broadcasting House in the City of Westminster, London. It is the largest broadcaster in the world, with about 23,000 staff...
documentary, presented by Bill Oddie
Bill Oddie
William "Bill" Edgar Oddie OBE is an English author, actor, comedian, artist, naturalist and musician, who became famous as one of The Goodies....
, in which a group of scientists test out the strength of dinosaur
Dinosaur
Dinosaurs are a diverse group of animals of the clade and superorder Dinosauria. They were the dominant terrestrial vertebrates for over 160 million years, from the late Triassic period until the end of the Cretaceous , when the Cretaceous–Paleogene extinction event led to the extinction of...
weaponry using biomechanics
Biomechanics
Biomechanics is the application of mechanical principles to biological systems, such as humans, animals, plants, organs, and cells. Perhaps one of the best definitions was provided by Herbert Hatze in 1974: "Biomechanics is the study of the structure and function of biological systems by means of...
. The first episode determines the winner of a battle between Tyrannosaurus
Tyrannosaurus
Tyrannosaurus meaning "tyrant," and sauros meaning "lizard") is a genus of coelurosaurian theropod dinosaur. The species Tyrannosaurus rex , commonly abbreviated to T. rex, is a fixture in popular culture. It lived throughout what is now western North America, with a much wider range than other...
and Triceratops
Triceratops
Triceratops is a genus of herbivorous ceratopsid dinosaur which lived during the late Maastrichtian stage of the Late Cretaceous Period, around 68 to 65 million years ago in what is now North America. It was one of the last dinosaur genera to appear before the great Cretaceous–Paleogene...
, and second compares the strength of an ankylosaur and Velociraptor
Velociraptor
Velociraptor is a genus of dromaeosaurid theropod dinosaur that existed approximately 75 to 71 million years ago during the later part of the Cretaceous Period. Two species are currently recognized, although others have been assigned in the past. The type species is V. mongoliensis; fossils...
. The programmes were broadcast on BBC 1 in August and September 2005. In the US, The Truth About Killer Dinosaurs was known as Dinosaur Face-Off.
Tyrannosaurus Rex
- Evidence of head injuries on Triceratops indicates Tyrannosaurus Rex attacked living Triceratops.
- Using a steel Tyrannosaurus skullSkullThe skull is a bony structure in the head of many animals that supports the structures of the face and forms a cavity for the brain.The skull is composed of two parts: the cranium and the mandible. A skull without a mandible is only a cranium. Animals that have skulls are called craniates...
, scientists learned that Tyrannosaurus could easily crush a small carČarČar is a village in the municipality of Bujanovac, Serbia. According to the 2002 census, the town has a population of 296 people.-References:...
. - Scientists learn that Tyrannosaurus could run at a maximum of 25 mph.
- Scanning an endocastEndocastAn endocast is the internal cast of a hollow object, often specifically used for an endocasts of the cranial vault. Endocasts can be man-made for examining the properties of a hollow, inaccessible space, or occur naturally through fossilisation....
from Tyrannosauruss skull, scientists theorise that Tyrannosaurus had a brain similar to that of a modern-day alligatorAlligatorAn alligator is a crocodilian in the genus Alligator of the family Alligatoridae. There are two extant alligator species: the American alligator and the Chinese alligator ....
. - Tyrannosaurus had good visionVisual perceptionVisual perception is the ability to interpret information and surroundings from the effects of visible light reaching the eye. The resulting perception is also known as eyesight, sight, or vision...
, and a good sense of smell. - Tyrannosaurus could bite through bone, at a bite force of at least four tons per square inch.
TriceratopsTriceratopsTriceratops is a genus of herbivorous ceratopsid dinosaur which lived during the late Maastrichtian stage of the Late Cretaceous Period, around 68 to 65 million years ago in what is now North America. It was one of the last dinosaur genera to appear before the great Cretaceous–Paleogene...
- Doing a crash testCrash testA crash test is a form of destructive testing usually performed in order to ensure safe design standards in crashworthiness and crash compatibility for various modes of transportation or related systems and components.- Types :...
with an artificial Triceratops skull, made of resinResinResin in the most specific use of the term is a hydrocarbon secretion of many plants, particularly coniferous trees. Resins are valued for their chemical properties and associated uses, such as the production of varnishes, adhesives, and food glazing agents; as an important source of raw materials...
, scientists learn that Triceratops probably didn't charge at predators, for its skull would likely break. - Triceratops may have gored its predators.
- Triceratops was slower (15 mph) than Tyrannosaurus, but more agile.
Outcome
An even match. In the episode, it is shown that if the Tyrannosaurus makes a surprise attack, it might kill the Triceratops, but if the herbivore discovers the trap, it could beat his opponent and kill it. VelociraptorVelociraptorVelociraptor is a genus of dromaeosaurid theropod dinosaur that existed approximately 75 to 71 million years ago during the later part of the Cretaceous Period. Two species are currently recognized, although others have been assigned in the past. The type species is V. mongoliensis; fossils...
- Velociraptor was only the size of a turkeyTurkey (bird)A turkey is a large bird in the genus Meleagris. One species, Meleagris gallopavo, commonly known as the Wild Turkey, is native to the forests of North America. The domestic turkey is a descendant of this species...
. - Velociraptor had feathers.
- A robotic Velociraptor leg provides evidence that Velociraptor didn't disembowel its prey.
- The fossil of a Velociraptor fighting a ProtoceratopsProtoceratopsProtoceratops is a genus of sheep-sized herbivorous ceratopsian dinosaur, from the Upper Cretaceous Period of what is now Mongolia. It was a member of the Protoceratopsidae, a group of early horned dinosaurs...
shows that the Velociraptor pierced the neck of its prey, possibly to stab the vital arteriesArteryArteries are blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart. This blood is normally oxygenated, exceptions made for the pulmonary and umbilical arteries....
or the jugular veinJugular veinThe jugular veins are veins that bring deoxygenated blood from the head back to the heart via the superior vena cava.-Internal and external:There are two sets of jugular veins: external and internal....
. - Velociraptors wings were used for balance and agility, like an ostrichOstrichThe Ostrich is one or two species of large flightless birds native to Africa, the only living member of the genus Struthio. Some analyses indicate that the Somali Ostrich may be better considered a full species apart from the Common Ostrich, but most taxonomists consider it to be a...
. - Along with its claws, Velociraptors teeth were useful weapons.
- Velociraptor most likely hunted in small packs.
- Teeth of this dinosaur were found among its victims.
- The biomechanical claw provides evidence that the Velociraptor couldn't penetrate the ankylosaur's armourArmour (zoology)Armour in animals is external or superficial protection against attack by predators, formed as part of the body , usually through the hardening of body tissues, outgrowths or secretions. It has therefore mostly developed in 'prey' species...
, when tested on a crocodileCrocodileA crocodile is any species belonging to the family Crocodylidae . The term can also be used more loosely to include all extant members of the order Crocodilia: i.e...
skinSkin-Dermis:The dermis is the layer of skin beneath the epidermis that consists of connective tissue and cushions the body from stress and strain. The dermis is tightly connected to the epidermis by a basement membrane. It also harbors many Mechanoreceptors that provide the sense of touch and heat...
, it would even break.
Ankylosaur
- Ankylosaur armourArmour (zoology)Armour in animals is external or superficial protection against attack by predators, formed as part of the body , usually through the hardening of body tissues, outgrowths or secretions. It has therefore mostly developed in 'prey' species...
was similar to a crocodile's, though significantly harder. - Young crocodiles have no armour, especially on the neck. Baby ankylosaurs were probably similar.
- A robotic ankylosaur tail shows that the tail club could break wood and bone with ease.
- This dinosaur's armour and club was used only on more threatening predators than Velociraptor.
- In the U.S version, it was known as AnkylosaurusAnkylosaurusAnkylosaurus is a genus of ankylosaurid dinosaur, containing one species, A. magniventris...
, although Ankylosaurus itself lived in North America. The ankylosaur in question, as implied by the fossil specimen of multiple juveniles, may in fact have been PinacosaurusPinacosaurusPinacosaurus is a genus of medium-sized ankylosaur dinosaurs that lived from the late Santonian to the late Campanian stages of the late Cretaceous Period , in Mongolia and China...
.
Outcome
The Ankylosaur would win, although Velociraptor could easily kill young Ankylosaurs (the Armor is not ready yet and can be easily penetrated). TarbosaurusTarbosaurusTarbosaurus is a genus of tyrannosaurid theropod dinosaur that flourished in Asia about 70 million years ago, at the end of the Late Cretaceous Period. Fossils have been recovered in Mongolia, with more fragmentary remains found further afield in parts of China. Although many species have been...
- TarbosaurusTarbosaurusTarbosaurus is a genus of tyrannosaurid theropod dinosaur that flourished in Asia about 70 million years ago, at the end of the Late Cretaceous Period. Fossils have been recovered in Mongolia, with more fragmentary remains found further afield in parts of China. Although many species have been...
appears in the second episode briefly. It fights the ankylosaur, and loses (the tail-whip broke its leg). - It was related to Tyrannosaurus.
- It was the top predator in the MongoliaMongoliaMongolia is a landlocked country in East and Central Asia. It is bordered by Russia to the north and China to the south, east and west. Although Mongolia does not share a border with Kazakhstan, its western-most point is only from Kazakhstan's eastern tip. Ulan Bator, the capital and largest...
n plains.
ProtoceratopsProtoceratopsProtoceratops is a genus of sheep-sized herbivorous ceratopsian dinosaur, from the Upper Cretaceous Period of what is now Mongolia. It was a member of the Protoceratopsidae, a group of early horned dinosaurs...
- Protoceratops appears briefly in two fights against Velociraptor. The first is a re-enactment of the fighting dinosaurs scene, while the second pits it against two Velociraptors, which the latter wins.
- Its beak and bony head were powerful weapons, but because of its small size, ProtoceratopsProtoceratopsProtoceratops is a genus of sheep-sized herbivorous ceratopsian dinosaur, from the Upper Cretaceous Period of what is now Mongolia. It was a member of the Protoceratopsidae, a group of early horned dinosaurs...
was most likely preyed upon by many Mongolian predators.
Paleontological inaccuracies
At the beginning of the program (at least in episode 2), Bill Oddie claims: "everything you are about to see, is true". Although the program is very accurate (more so than "Jurassic Fight ClubJurassic Fight Club
Jurassic Fight Club is a paleontology-based television series on History which premiered in the USA in July 2008.-Summary:Scientists study the battles of prehistoric creatures, such as dinosaurs, before they went extinct. Each episode features a forensic-styled breakdown of a prehistoric battle...
"), there are some minor ambiguities.
- Bill OddieBill OddieWilliam "Bill" Edgar Oddie OBE is an English author, actor, comedian, artist, naturalist and musician, who became famous as one of The Goodies....
explains that Velociraptor had hollow bones, "Only found in dinosaurs and birds". In fact, It's also found in pterosaurs, an order related to the dinosaurs. - VelociraptorVelociraptorVelociraptor is a genus of dromaeosaurid theropod dinosaur that existed approximately 75 to 71 million years ago during the later part of the Cretaceous Period. Two species are currently recognized, although others have been assigned in the past. The type species is V. mongoliensis; fossils...
is depicted with pronated(downward or backward facing palms)hands which is an impossible structure for any Theropod, this is also seen in TyrannosaurusTyrannosaurusTyrannosaurus meaning "tyrant," and sauros meaning "lizard") is a genus of coelurosaurian theropod dinosaur. The species Tyrannosaurus rex , commonly abbreviated to T. rex, is a fixture in popular culture. It lived throughout what is now western North America, with a much wider range than other...
. - New studies indicate that small Ceratopsians like Protoceratops had quills, however, this is not depicted in the series.
- The Triceratops Crash Test Experiment was done with wrong variables. A wall did not simulate the Tyrannosaurus body well in shape, so the beak would have never hit the flesh. Then they used only the bone, when flesh and skin would have strengthened it. Finally, the Triceratops most likely kept its head down to prevent beak damage.