Two-legged dinosaurs may have swung tails to run faster, say scientists

A computer simulation could help us better understand the evolution of movement in animals

Two-legged dinosaurs may have swung their tails as they crashed through the undergrowth - just like humans swing their arms - according to scientists who have modelled their movements in 3D at Harvard University.

Until now, it was widely believed that bipedal (two-legged) dinosaurs grew long tails to counterbalance the weight of their heads, and the tail was merely a rigid extension of the pelvis. But it is now thought that swinging their tails reduced the muscular effort required to propel themselves forwards, meaning they could run faster.