The first Tyrannosaurus Rex (the name means tyrant lizard
king) skeleton was discovered in 1902 in Montana (There were T. Rex teeth and
bone fragments unearthed long before this, but they were misidentified.) From
time to time, smaller skeletons that LOOKED like T. Rex would pop up, and they
were usually classified as juvenile T. Rex specimens. Eventually, though, paleontologists
studying the growth rings in the ancient bones realized the smaller dinosaurs were
fully developed at half the length and a tenth the body mass of the T. Rex. It
had bigger forearms, a narrower mouth and a LOT more teeth. They’re calling
this “new” dinosaur (the phrase always makes me giggle) Nanotyrannus Lancensis.
The prefix nano- means “one billionth.” It’s a catchy moniker, but not very
helpful, if the purpose is to show these weren’t just little T. Rexes. This may
be further proof that scientists shouldn't always be trusted with naming
things.
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