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| Tyrannosaurus rex, depicted in this dynamic virtual model by William Sellers, was a powerful predator but not the fastest dinosaur—modern research reveals its limited running speed. |
What Was the Fastest Dinosaur? Scientists Reveal Surprising Speed Records
For years, dinosaurs were portrayed as sluggish, lumbering reptiles. But a game-changing discovery in the 1960s shattered that image, igniting a scientific revolution and sparking a new question: What was the fastest dinosaur to ever roam the Earth?
The Dinosaur Renaissance: A Shift in Speed
In 1964, paleontologist John Ostrom discovered Deinonychus, a sleek predator with powerful legs and a lightweight body. This find challenged the outdated notion of dinosaurs as slow creatures, ushering in the “dinosaur renaissance” and redefining how we perceive their agility and behavior.
Meet the Speedsters: Ornithomimosaurs Take the Lead
According to Dr. Susannah Maidment of the Natural History Museum in London, the likely fastest group of dinosaurs were the Ornithomimosaurs — ostrich-like creatures with long, slender limbs and lightweight builds. Their bodies were made for speed, resembling modern-day ostriches in form and function.
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| The ostrich-like dinosaur Ornithomimus, in the Ornithomimosauria group, may have been one of the speediest dinosaurs. (Image credit: SEBASTIAN KAULITZKI/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY via Getty Images) |
Their anatomy suggests a leg structure optimized for pendulum-like motion — a strong indicator of fast running ability. But how fast could they really go?
Estimating Speed: From Fossils to Physics
The challenge of calculating dinosaur speed lies in the lack of direct evidence. Fossilized footprints offer clues, but as paleontologist Eugenia Gold points out, these trackways are often left in muddy, soft sediment — not ideal for sprinting.
To overcome this, researchers like Professor William Sellers use biomechanical modeling and evolutionary robotics. By simulating skeletal movement with modern physics and comparing it to living animals like ostriches and emus, they create 3D digital models to estimate maximum speeds.
The Fastest Dinosaur Modeled: Compsognathus
In a study involving five theropods — including Tyrannosaurus rex, Velociraptor, and Allosaurus — the tiny Compsognathus came out on top, reaching an estimated 39.8 mph (64.1 km/h). That’s faster than a modern-day racehorse!
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| Compsognathus, a small theropod dinosaur, was identified as the fastest dinosaur in a recent study—outpacing larger species like T. rex. (Image credit: Elenarts108 via Getty Images) |
Velociraptor followed with a respectable 24.1 mph (38.9 km/h), while the massive T. rex was the slowest at just under 18 mph (28.8 km/h). Its sheer size and bone stress would have limited its speed significantly.
So, What’s the Real Answer?
While biomechanical models give us the best estimates, they’re time-consuming and incomplete. With only a handful of dinosaurs fully modeled, the true champion remains elusive. However, experts agree: the fastest dinosaurs were likely small, nimble theropods, built for the hunt — or escape.
But here’s the twist: as Gold points out, if you include living dinosaurs (a.k.a. birds), the peregrine falcon takes the crown. In a dive, it reaches speeds of up to 200 mph (322 km/h) — making it the fastest dinosaur of all time.
Final Thoughts
From fossilized footprints to advanced computer models, scientists are inching closer to solving the prehistoric speed mystery. While Compsognathus holds the unofficial title for now, the race isn’t over.
Which dinosaur do you think could beat the record if we had more data? Let us know in the comments below!
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