Molecular Analysis Confirms Tyrannosaurus Rex's Evolutionary Link To Birds

Genetic sequencing show link of T. rex with birds and mastadons with elephants.
(Credit: Zina Deretsky, National Science Foundation)

(sciencedaily) -- Putting more meat on the theory that dinosaurs' closest living relatives are modern-day birds, molecular analysis of a shred of 68-million-year-old Tyrannosaurus rex protein -- along with that of 21 modern species -- confirms that dinosaurs share common ancestry with chickens, ostriches, and to a lesser extent, alligators. full story