What was life like for Tyranossaurus rex?
Summary
Science Friday host Kathleen Davis interviews science writer Riley Black about her new book, *Tyrant, Lizard, Queen*. They explore the daily life, social behaviors, and ecological role of the T-Rex, challenging common myths with evidence from fossils and modern analogs. Black highlights how the dinosaur’s high body temperature allowed it to thrive across diverse habitats and emphasizes the importance of viewing prehistoric creatures through a lens of empathy rather than fear.
Topics discussed
Sponsors: NYU Skirball, Poster House, and MathWorks
Introduction to T-Rex and guest Riley Black
Did T-Rex roar? Comparing to modern reptiles
Why T-Rex is so culturally iconic
Physical appearance: feathers, size, and grace
Vulnerability of baby T-Rex and high mortality
What baby and teenage T-Rex looked like
Sponsors: Mohonk Mountain House, Bayer, Planet Visionaries
Social behavior: solitary vs. group interactions
Using fossils and modern analogs to reconstruct life
T-Rex's ecological role and impact on landscape
New research on T-Rex body temperature and range
Finding empathy and connection with prehistoric life
Book promotion and show outro
Sponsor: Poster House
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