Title: Unraveling Dinosaur Secrets in Crocodile Bones: A New Approach to Understanding Fossil Growth Rates In an exciting discovery that challenges our understanding of dinosaur growth rates, University of Cape Town paleobiologist Anusuya Chinsamy-Turan has found evidence suggesting that researchers may have been overestimating some dinosaur ages. By examining thin slices of crocodile bones, she concluded that the traditional method of estimating a dinosaur’s age by counting growth rings in its fossilized bones might not be as accurate as previously thought. Until now, scientists believed that each ring in a dinosaur bone represented one year of growth, similar to tree rings. This approach allowed them to plot the growth rate and estimate how long it took for a hatchling to grow into an adult T. rex, for example. However, Chinsamy-Turan’s study published in Scientific Reports reveals that this method may be overestimating dinosaur ages. In collaboration with biologist Maria Eugenia Pereyra, she studied the growth rings of several young Nile crocodiles – modern relatives of dinosaurs. They discovered more growth rings than expected in some bones, indicating that these specimens were likely younger than previously thought. This finding challenges the one-ring-per-year aging approach and opens up new avenues for understanding dinosaur growth rates. The implications of this discovery are significant as it changes our perception of how quickly certain dinosaurs grew during their lifetime. It also highlights the importance of reevaluating existing methods used to estimate fossil ages, which can lead to more accurate interpretations of prehistoric life. As we continue to learn from living relatives like crocodiles and birds, this research underscores the need for innovative approaches in paleontology that go beyond traditional techniques. In conclusion, Chinsamy-Turan’s groundbreaking work has shed light on a previously overlooked aspect of dinosaur growth rates. By challenging conventional wisdom and exploring new avenues of investigation, she demonstrates how science can evolve through collaboration and critical thinking. As we delve deeper into the mysteries of our prehistoric past, discoveries like these remind us that there is always more to learn about the world around us.
Source: [Original Article](https://www.npr.org/2026/02/05/nx-s1-5693856/crocodile-farm-bones-dinosaur-growth-mystery)
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