New theory from Alberta researchers for why some dinosaurs stood on 2 feet

Paleontologists at the University of Alberta have a new theory for why some dinosaurs stood on two feet instead of four.

The researchers found clues in the tails of the ancient creatures’ much smaller ancestors, proto-dinosaurs.

READ MORE: Edmonton researchers help make Jurassic Park-like dinosaur discovery

Lead author Scott Persons said the tails of proto-dinosaurs had big, leg-powering muscles.

Eventually, the ancient creatures evolved to run faster and for longer distances.

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READ MORE: Feathered dinosaurs may have ‘flocked’ together like modern birds: University of Alberta study

Meanwhile, smaller forelimbs helped reduce their body weight and improved balance, so some proto-dinosaurs gave up walking on all fours entirely.

Persons said earlier theories that proto-dinosaurs stood on two legs just so they could use their forelimbs to catch prey don’t stand up.

Watch below: Travel Alberta ambassador and blogger Mike Morrison joins Global Calgary with details on some of the many places to see and learn about dinosaurs in the province.

4:27 Alberta Bound: learning about dinosaurs