A group of researchers is proposing that Tyrannosaurus, the most famous of all dinosaurs and the ultimate apex predator, actually includes three species and not just the single T. rex, based on thighbone and tooth variations among dozens of its fossils.
T. rex, meaning "tyrant lizard king," has been the sole species of the genus Tyrannosaurus recognized since the dinosaur was first described in 1905. A genus is a broader grouping of related organisms than a species.
Paul and his colleagues cited differences in the robustness - some larger and others more lightly built - of the thighbone, or femur, and differences in the number of the small teeth at the lower jaw tip among the examined fossils. "It's hard to define a species, even for animals today, and these fossils have no genetic evidence that can test whether there were truly separate populations. Until I see much stronger evidence, these are all still T. rex to me, and that's what I'll be calling them," Brusatte added.
Singapore Latest News, Singapore Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Three of Brazil’s best scientist mentors share their insightsThe latest Nature Awards for Mentoring in Science recognized three researchers based in the South American country. Here’s their advice for providing excellent mentorship.
Read more »
Ethereum price moves toward $3K, but pro traders choose not to add leverageEthereum price is marching toward $3,000 after having a rough start to 2022, but noshitcoins says three key data points explain why pro traders are choosing not to add leveraged positions.
Read more »
How sneezing hamsters sparked a COVID outbreak in Hong KongHamsters are only the second species known to have spread SARS-CoV-2 to humans.
Read more »
Each New Climate Report Is Worse Than the LastThink of the latest as the “Your House Is on Fire” report, one scientist suggests.
Read more »
Controversial U.S. China Initiative gets new name, tighter focus on industrial espionageScientists and civil rights groups in the U.S. are offering qualified praise for the federal government’s decision to rename and revise the China Initiative, but some worry it has already done lasting damage to international research collaborations.
Read more »
Greenland ice is melting faster than previously thought, new study saysScientists with the University of Cambridge say new research shows the ice sheet covering Greenland is melting rapidly at its base.
Read more »