Scientists apply advanced palaeontological techniques to estimate that the fictional Rancor possesses a bone-crushing bite force comparable to a T. rex
Credit: Inside the Magic, 2012, Rancor - Star Wars Celebration VI
In a crossover between palaeontological science and pop culture, researchers have determined that the infamous Rancor from "Star Wars: Return of the Jedi" (1983) possesses a devastating bite force rivalling history's most fearsome predators.
The research specifically examines the iconic scene where Luke Skywalker, trapped in Jabba the Hutt's deadly arena, temporarily saves himself by wedging a bone in the 5-meter beast's mouth. Using sophisticated computer simulation techniques, including Finite Element Analysis – technology normally employed in civil engineering for virtual construction design and crash testing – scientists confirmed the terrifying plausibility of the monster's ability to snap the makeshift weapon with ease.
In the new study, titled ‘Is a Bone a Viable Weapon When Combating a Rancor? Estimating the Bite Force of an Intergalactic Mega-Predator', published in the Journal of Geek Studies, the scientists use computer simulations and biomechanical modelling to analyse one of cinema's most memorable monster encounters.
"We've calculated that the Rancor could generate a staggering 44,000 Newtons of crushing power with its jaws – putting it in the same league as Tyrannosaurus rex," reveals Dr Stephan Lautenschlager, vertebrate palaeontologist and Associate Professor for Palaeobiology at The University of Birmingham and lead author of the study.
We've calculated that the Rancor could generate a staggering 44,000 Newtons of crushing power with its jaws – putting it in the same league as Tyrannosaurus rex
This bite force dwarfs Earth's mightiest living biters. The white shark's impressive 18,000 Newton-bite and even the formidable saltwater crocodile's 16,000 Newtons pale in comparison to the Rancor's bone-pulverizing power.
Study co-author Dr Thomas Clements, now based at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, said "While the designers of the Rancor monster probably based the anatomy off living creatures, they would not have known that they accurately modelled a creature with such a strong bite force – Luke's desperate defensive tactic would have only bought him precious seconds before the bone shattered."
What may sound like a science fiction project has a more serious and applicable background. The innovative study applies advanced palaeontological techniques including cranial muscle reconstruction to this fictional predator, to compare its bite force to charismatic ancient predators from Earth like the sabre-tooth cat, theropod dinosaurs, and the carnivorous fossil whale Basilosaurus.
The same techniques used to estimate the bone-crushing bite of the Rancor are now part of modern palaeontologists’ toolkit. In contrast to modern animals, long-extinct organisms cannot be observed directly. To better understand how these fossils lived, modern computer technology is now increasingly used to simulate their behaviour.
This research demonstrates how scientific methodologies can illuminate the biological plausibility behind even our most imaginative cinematic creatures. “Many elements of the Star Wars universe are entertainingly fantastical, but it seems the terrifying bite of the Rancor is not science fiction.” said Dr Lautenschlager.
Dr Clements explains more about the study in a video abstract.
Associate Professor in Palaeobiology
Dr Lautenschlager is a vertebrate palaeontologist, specialising in functional morphology and biomechanical analysis.
