Tiny Fossil Revelation ‘Flips Decades of T. rex Research on Its Head’
Summary
Scientists have discovered that some fossils previously thought to be young Tyrannosaurus rex are actually a different dinosaur species called Nanotyrannus. This finding means that past research on T. rex growth and behavior needs to be reconsidered. The study also shows that multiple dinosaur species, including both T. rex and Nanotyrannus, lived together before dinosaurs went extinct.Key Facts
- A fossil from Montana called the "Duelling Dinosaurs" helped scientists identify a new species called Nanotyrannus.
- This fossil includes two dinosaurs that died together in a fight: a tiny tyrannosaur and a Triceratops.
- Researchers analyzed growth rings in the bones and other features to determine that the tiny tyrannosaur is not a juvenile T. rex but a mature Nanotyrannus.
- The findings challenge decades of research that used these fossils to study T. rex.
- Researchers also discovered another species of Nanotyrannus, named N. lethaeus.
- The study suggests multiple tyrannosaur species, like T. rex and Nanotyrannus, existed together just before dinosaurs went extinct.
- The discovery requires a re-evaluation of existing research on T. rex biomechanics and evolution.
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