Re:Tyrannosaurus eggs

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

>Sounds similar to what, until recently, was considered to be the egg
>of a _Protoceratops_ only much larger.  I think I am right in saying
>that not all the eggs identified as _Protoceratops_ eggs are now
>considered as _Oviraptor_ eggs?

No, all the elongate eggs previously assigned to Protoceratops are now
assigned to theropod dinosaurs.  Probable Protoceratops eggs have long been
known, but are a different morphology.

>Is it not possible that rather than
>being the eggs of a _T. rex_ (or similar), the eggs could represent
>some larger ceratopian dinosaur.

Since (with one possible, earlier, more-central Asian exception) large
ceratopsians (i.e., ceratopsids) are unknown from Asia, while the genus
Tyrannosaurus and many species of tyrannosaurid are, it is more likely that
the tyrannosaurid assignment has more validity.  Since these eggs resemble
those known from other coelurosaurs (Oviraptor, Velociraptor), but are much
larger, this is additional evidence suggesting a tyrannosaurid (or
Deinocheirus?) origin.

                                
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.