Overview

• Researchers used CT and surface scans to build 3D skull models and applied finite element analysis across 18 theropod species to quantify feeding performance
• Tyrannosaurus rex exhibited the highest bite forces in the study, with a skull optimized for rapid, bone-crushing strikes
• Spinosaurs, allosaurs and Giganotosaurus showed weaker bite forces and stress patterns consistent with slashing and flesh-stripping tactics
• Bite strength and skull stress did not scale directly with body or skull size, with some smaller theropods enduring higher stress than larger counterparts
• The biomechanical diversity uncovered suggests multiple evolutionary solutions to megacarnivory allowed niche specialization and reduced competition among giant predators