New Fossil Discovery Rocks Tyrannosaur Field: 'Duelling Dinosaurs' Unveils Mystery of Nanotyrannus
A remarkable fossil discovery in Montana has sent shockwaves through the paleontological community, challenging long-held assumptions about a tyrannosaur species. The "duelling dinosaurs" fossil, recently made available for scientific research by the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, reveals a medium-sized tyrannosaur locked in combat with a triceratops.
Initial analysis suggested that the fighting tyrannosaur was a juvenile Tyrannosaurus rex. However, further study by researchers has revealed that it's actually an adult specimen of a new species: Nanotyrannus lancensis. This revelation is significant, as Nanotyrannus had previously been recognized only in the form of a small skull discovered in 1946.
The newly uncovered skeleton weighs around 1,500 pounds and exhibits distinct characteristics, including higher tooth counts, enlarged hands, and a shorter tail. These features are incompatible with the hypothesis that it's a juvenile T rex. "Our specimen is a fully grown Nanotyrannus," said Dr. Lindsay Zanno, lead author of the study from North Carolina State University.
The discovery has profound implications for our understanding of the biology of Earth's most famous dinosaur, Tyrannosaurus rex. For decades, researchers have used specimens of Nanotyrannus as a model to understand the growth patterns and life history of T rex. These findings now require re-examination.
Not all experts are convinced that Nanotyrannus was indeed a separate species, however. Professor Steve Brusatte from the University of Edinburgh pointed out that some smaller skeletons found in the same rocks as T rex fossils might be juvenile T rexes rather than Nanotyrannus. He noted that the abundance of fossilized T rex adults suggests there should also be juvenile specimens.
While Brusatte is open to reevaluating his stance, he emphasized the need for caution when interpreting the "duelling dinosaurs" fossil. The presence of multiple species, including Nanotyrannus and potentially juvenile T rexes, will require more research to fully understand the complex relationships between these prehistoric predators.
A remarkable fossil discovery in Montana has sent shockwaves through the paleontological community, challenging long-held assumptions about a tyrannosaur species. The "duelling dinosaurs" fossil, recently made available for scientific research by the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, reveals a medium-sized tyrannosaur locked in combat with a triceratops.
Initial analysis suggested that the fighting tyrannosaur was a juvenile Tyrannosaurus rex. However, further study by researchers has revealed that it's actually an adult specimen of a new species: Nanotyrannus lancensis. This revelation is significant, as Nanotyrannus had previously been recognized only in the form of a small skull discovered in 1946.
The newly uncovered skeleton weighs around 1,500 pounds and exhibits distinct characteristics, including higher tooth counts, enlarged hands, and a shorter tail. These features are incompatible with the hypothesis that it's a juvenile T rex. "Our specimen is a fully grown Nanotyrannus," said Dr. Lindsay Zanno, lead author of the study from North Carolina State University.
The discovery has profound implications for our understanding of the biology of Earth's most famous dinosaur, Tyrannosaurus rex. For decades, researchers have used specimens of Nanotyrannus as a model to understand the growth patterns and life history of T rex. These findings now require re-examination.
Not all experts are convinced that Nanotyrannus was indeed a separate species, however. Professor Steve Brusatte from the University of Edinburgh pointed out that some smaller skeletons found in the same rocks as T rex fossils might be juvenile T rexes rather than Nanotyrannus. He noted that the abundance of fossilized T rex adults suggests there should also be juvenile specimens.
While Brusatte is open to reevaluating his stance, he emphasized the need for caution when interpreting the "duelling dinosaurs" fossil. The presence of multiple species, including Nanotyrannus and potentially juvenile T rexes, will require more research to fully understand the complex relationships between these prehistoric predators.
they just found this dueling dinos fossil and its changing EVERYTHING we thought we knew about nanotyrannus and tyrannosaurus rex 
i mean a whole new species is being revealed and its mindblowing the fact that nanotyrannus was only recognized from a tiny skull back in 1946 is wild 
and now theres this massive adult skeleton weighing over 1500 pounds that shows so many distinct features its like we're getting a glimpse into the life of these incredible creatures 
i love how scientists are being super careful with their findings though, not everyone is convinced it's a new species yet but thats what makes it so interesting 
Like, who knew there was a smaller tyrannosaur that's like, way more intelligent than we thought? 
Nanotyrannus is like the OG underdog, and I love it! 
The fact that it had higher tooth counts and enlarged hands means it was probably like a ninja or something 
. And can you imagine the duels between it and those triceratops? 
It's like a dinosaur soap opera out there! 
i mean, who knew there was more to t rex than meets the eye? 
, but I'm also kinda hyped for more research because this opens up so many questions 
. Are there other secrets hidden in those Montana rocks? Can't wait to see what comes out of this 
The idea that there was a medium-sized tyrannosaur locked in combat with a triceratops is wild 
! I love how the team found a fully grown Nanotyrannus skeleton, not just a small skull like they did before 
. Not all experts are convinced yet, but that's what makes this so cool 
But, on the flipside, I'm also kinda underwhelmed by how much of this discovery depends on another expert's skepticism. Like, can't we just be excited about finding new species without, you know, immediately questioning it? 