Re: Nanotyrannus

["Thomas R. Holtz, Jr." <tholtz@geol.umd.edu>]

At 01:42 PM 8/4/99 -0500, Chris Noto wrote:
>Hi, 
>I was wondering if anyone had any info or insights about the theory that
>Nanotyrannus is, in actuality, a juveniule tyrannosaur.

I am literally in the midst of moving computers and printers and such, so I
will have to make it quick.

A great new paper on changes in growth in tyrannosaurids is coming out soon
by Thomas Carr, who addresses the identity of _Nanotyrannus_.  Not to give
too much away (in fact, Carr presented much of this information already at
conferences), but the differences in skull shape, tooth count, and bone
texture between _Nano._ and _T. rex_ are consistent with the former being a
juvenile of the latter.  Furthermore, the alledged "fusions" of the skull
cannot be confirmed on additional examination.  More work is forthcoming on
the matter.

The subject of _Nanotyrannus_ has been discussed extensively on the dinosaur
list: you can search the archives for messages on this topic.

Sorry to have to post and run...

                        Thomas R. Holtz, Jr.
                        Vertebrate Paleontologist
Department of Geology                   Director, Earth, Life & Time Program
University of Maryland                  College Park Scholars
College Park, MD  20742       
Webpage: http://www.geol.umd.edu        Phone:301-405-4084
Email:tholtz@geol.umd.edu               Fax:  301-314-9661