Chickens are not evolved from Tyrannosaurus rex. However, both chickens and T. rex are part of a larger group of animals called dinosaurs. The molecular analysis mentioned in the question confirms that dinosaurs, including T. rex, share a common ancestry with modern-day birds like chickens.
This finding is based on the analysis of a small piece of 68-million-year-old T. rex protein, as well as protein samples from 21 modern species, including birds like chickens and ostriches. By comparing the protein sequences, scientists can determine the similarities and differences between different species and infer their evolutionary relationships.
The analysis revealed that the protein sequences of T. rex were more similar to those of birds, particularly chickens and ostriches, than to other groups of animals. This suggests a closer evolutionary relationship between T. rex and birds than previously thought.
It is important to note that this molecular analysis provides evidence for the shared ancestry between dinosaurs and birds, but it does not mean that chickens directly evolved from T. rex. Instead, both chickens and T. rex are descendants of a common ancestor that lived millions of years ago.
The idea that birds are the closest living relatives of dinosaurs is supported by other lines of evidence as well. Fossil evidence shows that many dinosaur species had feathers, similar to those found in modern birds. Additionally, studies of dinosaur bones and anatomy have revealed similarities with birds, such as hollow bones and wishbones.
This connection between dinosaurs and birds is further supported by the field of developmental biology. The study of embryonic development has revealed that birds and dinosaurs share certain genetic pathways involved in the formation of limbs and other features.
While the molecular analysis mentioned in the question adds to the growing body of evidence for the bird-dinosaur connection, it is just one piece of the puzzle. Further research, including the analysis of more dinosaur protein samples, as well as other types of genetic and fossil evidence, will continue to shed light on the evolutionary relationship between dinosaurs and birds.
Chickens are not evolved from T. rex specifically, but both chickens and T. rex are part of the larger group of dinosaurs. The molecular analysis mentioned in the question confirms the shared ancestry between dinosaurs and birds, with chickens and ostriches being the closest living relatives of T. rex.