Controversial Study Claims Dinosaur Fossils Belong to Separate Species, Not Young T. Rex
A new study published in the journal Fossil Studies has reignited the age-old debate over the identity of a set of dinosaur fossils. The study claims that these fossils actually belong to a distinct species called Nanotyrannus lancensis, rather than a young Tyrannosaurus rex.
For decades, experts have been divided over the classification of these fossils. Some argue that they represent a separate species, while others believe they are juvenile T. rexes. Lead author Nicholas Longrich and co-author Evan Saitta sought to settle the dispute by measuring growth rings on the fossils.
Their findings were surprising. The growth rings on the fossils were inconsistent with the rapid growth typically seen in young dinosaurs. Instead, the researchers concluded that the dinosaur was reaching its full size when it died. According to their models, the Nanotyrannus would have weighed around 2,000 to 3,300 pounds and measured 16 feet long, making it only 15% the size of a mature T. rex. In comparison, an adult T. rex weighed approximately 17,600 pounds and measured 30 feet in length.
In addition to size, the researchers noted that the Nanotyrannus had distinct anatomical features that set it apart from an adult T. rex. These findings suggest that it may have been an entirely different species. However, not all experts are convinced by this study’s conclusions. They argue that the authors do not have a thorough understanding of growth variation in tyrannosaurs and point out unique features in the skulls of the Nanotyrannus that are only seen in T. rex.
The ongoing debate surrounding the identity of these fossils has led some experts to speculate that there may be more than one species within the Tyrannosaurus genus. The discovery of a second species could potentially explain inconsistencies and fill gaps in our current understanding of T. rex. However, any new species would require convincing arguments and data to overturn existing ideas and research.
This study is likely to provoke further discussion and analysis within the scientific community. As the search for answers continues, we await further insights into the true identity of these fascinating fossils and their place in the history of dinosaurs.
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