A new study, published in the journal Fossil Studies, challenges the conventional classification of Nanotyrannus lancensis as young Tyrannosaurus rex (T. rex). Nanotyrannus lancensis was initially designated as a distinct species but was later reinterpreted as a juvenile T. rex. The recent analysis of fossils by researchers from the University of Bath and the University of Chicago suggests that Nanotyrannus is indeed a separate species.
The study focused on the analysis of fossils of smaller T. rex individuals, challenging the assumption that these were young members of the famous giant species. The researchers argue that if they were young T. rex, rapid growth rates should be observed, but the analysis indicated slower bone growth rates, suggesting that Nanotyrannus was nearly full size.
The study identified over 150 distinct features setting Nanotyrannus apart from T. rex, including longer arms with larger claws. The researchers suggest that Nanotyrannus was a different kind of predator, emphasizing speed and agility over size and strength.
This study has sparked a debate in the scientific community, with some researchers expressing skepticism and others acknowledging the possibility of Nanotyrannus being a distinct species. The ongoing discussion highlights the dynamic nature of paleontological research and the complexities of interpreting fossil evidence.
Read Now:Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” Sweeps 81st Golden Globes with Five Wins
