T-rex could open its mouth really wide, scientists discover

The best of Voices delivered to your inbox every week - from controversial columns to expert analysis Sign up for our free weekly Voices newsletter for expert opinion and columns Sign up to our free weekly Voices newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy It may not come as a huge surprise to anybody who has seen Jurassic Park, but scientists have discovered the Tyrannosaurus rex could open its mouth really wide. New research revealed the T.rex could stretch its upper and lower jaws apart to an angle of 80 degrees, indicating Steven Spielberg’s depiction of the giant predator's gaping mouth was largely accurate. open image in gallery The research was conducted using computer-generated models of dinosaur jaws The Tyrannosaurus was by no means the dinosaur whose mouth opened the widest though. open image in gallery The Allosaurus could stretch its jaws wider than a T. rex Lead scientist Dr Stephan Lautenschlager, from the School of Earth Studies at the University of Bristol, said: "Theropod dinosaurs, such a Tyrannosaurus rex or Allosaurus, are often depicted with widely-opened jaws, presumably to emphasise their carnivorous nature.