January 3rd 2024.
The mystery surrounding the fossil of the Nanotyrannus, found in Montana in 1942, has been debated for decades. Was it a new species or a young Tyrannosaurus rex? Now, a new study from the Milner Centre for Evolution at the University of Bath and the University of Chicago has revealed the answer.
The researchers analysed the fossils, and discovered the bones' growth rings were more closely packed towards the outside, showing growth had slowed. This suggested the animal was almost full-sized, and probably only grew to be about five metres tall and between 900 and 1,500kg.
In comparison, a T rex towers nine metres or more above the ground, and weighs up to 8,000kg – eight tonnes. The Nanotyrannus also had different arms to the T rex, with longer arms and bigger claws suggesting it was a fast and agile creature.
The researchers also unearthed no evidence of any fossils combining features found on both the Nanotyrannus and T rex fossils, which would be found if one turned into the other.
The results of the study could have huge implications for a London auction house currently offering a ‘juvenile T rex skeleton’ for sale. Nicknamed ‘Chomper’, the skeleton is estimated to fetch £16 million, but its value as a Nanotyrannus remains to be seen.
The study has also prompted another conundrum: where are all the baby T Rexes? Dr. Longrich believes they are just incredibly rare, like juveniles of most dinosaurs, and the Nanotyrannus could be the only one yet discovered. The study is published in the journal Fossil Studies.
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