There’s A New Tyrannosaurus in Town

TL;DR

A recent study suggests that there may be two additional species of Tyrannosaurus rex, adding to the diversity of the genus.

Transcript

Thanks to Brilliant for supporting this episode of SciShow. Go to Brilliant.org/SciShow to learn how you can take your STEM skills to the next level! [♪ INTRO] If we ever find a way to bring the non-avian dinosaurs back to life, there are probably some species better left as giant ornaments hanging in museum lobbies. Like the Tyrannosaurus rex, the... Read More

Key Insights

• ☠️ The T. rex may actually be composed of multiple species, as suggested by differences in femur bones and dental records.
• 🦖 The existence of two additional T. rex species would increase the diversity of the genus.
• 🥳 The ratio of robust to slender femurs does not support the hypothesis that the differences are due to sex.
• 📛 The proposed additional species are named T. imperator and T. regina.
• 👨‍🔬 The study highlights the need for further research and analysis to solidify the understanding of T. rex evolution and diversity.

Questions & Answers

Q: How many species of Tyrannosaurus rex have been recognized until now?

Currently, only one species of T. rex is recognized, but this study suggests the presence of two additional species.

Q: What evidence did the researchers use to support the existence of multiple T. rex species?

The researchers analyzed femur bones from the fossils and found significant differences in size and structure, suggesting different species. They also observed a connection between the femur type and the presence of one or two sets of incisors.

Q: What is the significance of the proposed additional T. rex species?

If confirmed, the existence of multiple T. rex species would add to the biodiversity and complexity within the genus. It would change our understanding of the evolution and diversity of these iconic dinosaurs.

Q: How did the researchers determine the age of the fossils?

The age of the fossils was determined by analyzing the layers of rock in which they were found. This allowed the researchers to establish a timeline of diversity and evolution within the T. rex genus.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• A study published in Nature Evolutionary Biology proposes the existence of two additional species of Tyrannosaurus rex, named T. imperator and T. regina.

• The study analyzed 40 fossils, mainly from the Rocky Mountain region, and found differences in femur bones that suggest the presence of multiple species.

• The ratio of robust to slender femurs does not match what would be expected if the differences were due to sex, leading the researchers to conclude that they represent distinct species.