Re: T. rex a scavenger ?!?

[tom@darwin.nmmnh-abq.mus.nm.us (tom)]

W. L. Abler (1992) analyzed the function of serrated teeth in tyrannosaurs 
and other animals.  He observed that the cutting action of tyrannosaurid 
teeth "most closely resembles that of a dull smooth blade".  He suggested 
that the spaces between the serrations might have retained small fragments 
of meat and acted as havens for bacteria much like that of the teeth of 
living Komodo Dragons.  This might have enabled tyrannosaurs to inflict 
infectious wound, analagous to those given by Komodo Dragons.  Perhaps 
tyrannosaurs inflicted a bite, and then tracked an animal until it succumbed 
to infection.  The tyrannosaur could also occasionally renew its bacterial 
cultures by eating from scavanged carcasses.  Such behavior would 
incorporate strategies of both predator and scavenger.

Alber, W. L., 1992. The serrated teeth of tyrannosaurid dinosaurs, and 
biting structures in other animals. Paleobiology 18:161-183.
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