Re: tyrannosaurids (Nanotyrannus)

[Tom Holtz <tholtz@geochange.er.usgs.gov>]

>If Carpenter is right about the lack of unique features *and*
>Bakker is right about the fused sutures, then this suggests
>that it is a dwarf *species* of Tyrannosaurus, that is it
>should be Tyrannosaurus lancensis.


This wouldn't be a bad idea.  One problem is that fused sutures are not
always indicative of the final growth stage - for example, some bird
species continue to grow after their skulls are fused up.


                                
Thomas R. Holtz, Jr.                                   
tholtz@geochange.er.usgs.gov
Vertebrate Paleontologist in Exile                  Phone:      703-648-5280
U.S. Geological Survey                                FAX:      703-648-5420
Branch of Paleontology & Stratigraphy
MS 970 National Center
Reston, VA  22092
U.S.A.