The Largest T. Rex Could Have Been 70 Percent Heavier ...
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The Reality of T. Rex Size Estimates
Around 66 million years ago, the formidable Tyrannosaurus rex roamed the Earth. Although paleontologists have uncovered a limited number of T. rex fossils, it is well-established that this dinosaur was one of the largest predators to ever walk the land.
Recent research utilizing computer modeling suggests that the largest T. rex could have been up to 70 percent heavier and 25 percent longer than the largest known skeleton presently on record. This groundbreaking study was published in the journal Ecology and Evolution.
Understanding the Size Variation
According to Jordan Mallon, co-author of the study and paleobiologist at the Canadian Museum of Nature, "Our study suggests that, for large fossil animals like T. rex, we have only scratched the surface regarding the absolute sizes they may have reached." This lack of complete data is partly due to the small number of known T. rex skeletons; only about 30 specimens have been discovered, making it statistically improbable that these bones represent the biggest individuals of their species.
David Hone, a co-author and paleontologist at Queen Mary University of London, remarks, "Isolated bones and fragments do suggest the existence of larger individuals that we have yet to discover."
Calculating Potential Sizes
To determine how large T. rex could potentially grow, the researchers employed computer modeling techniques. They considered various factors including the species' growth rate, lifespan, population density, body size variability, and the limitations of fossil records.
While certain attributes are well understood, the team focused on estimating body-size variation. They utilized two methods: one that considered potential sexual dimorphism – differences in size or appearance between males and females – and another that assumed sex did not influence size. The dimorphism model was informed by size variations observed in modern alligators, the closest living relatives of T. rex.
Mallon explains, "If T. rex exhibited sexual dimorphism, we estimate it could have weighed up to 53,000 pounds (24,000 kilograms). However, we rejected that model since we would have likely uncovered even larger individuals by now."
Current New Findings
The heavyweight champion among known T. rex fossils is a specimen named Scotty, estimated to weigh about 19,555 pounds and stretch 39 feet in length. According to Steve Brusatte, a paleontologist at the University of Edinburgh, Scotty is "probably our best look yet at a large, fully grown adult." However, Mallon and Hone's analysis posits an astonishing upper limit of over 33,000 pounds and beyond 49 feet long for T. rex, surpassing the weight of an average school bus, which is approximately 24,000 pounds.
Thomas Carr, a vertebrate paleontologist at Carthage College who did not take part in the new research, notes, "This highlights how little we actually understand about dinosaurs, given our limited sample sizes. Imagining a T. rex of that scale is remarkable, and such an animal might statistically exist."
Challenges of Dinosaur Research
Scotty and other large T. rex specimens likely represent only the top 1 percent of the largest individuals from their population. The research team estimates it could take paleontologists another thousand years of excavation, at the current pace, to uncover fossils from the top 0.01 percent range.
Hone reiterates, "It's crucial to emphasize that our findings pertain not only to T. rex but extend to all dinosaurs and numerous other fossil species. Debating which specimen is the largest based on a limited number of skeletons holds little significance."
Ultimately, the researchers stress that their conclusions are merely a conceptual exercise based on available data. Until tangible evidence of such sizable creatures is found, speculation remains their only option.
Goodbye to the World's Largest T. Rex for the Season
The year is coming to an end for Scotty, the largest T. rex ever discovered. The T. Rex Discovery Centre will be closing for the season, delaying new visitors until next year.
Although the summer attendance was somewhat lower than in previous years, it was still filled with Jurassic excitement at the Centre. Visitor experience supervisor Aimee Castillo expressed her delight at welcoming over 8,000 visitors throughout the summer.
Guests learned about various dinosaurs, including Omâcîw the Tylosaurus, showcasing a fully fleshed-out view of the species. Castillo noted, "We provide a background to illustrate how a Tylosaurus appeared, enhancing public visualization of these fascinating creatures."
Omâcîw lived in an inland sea covering areas of modern-day Saskatchewan during the late Cretaceous period and has not seen the light of day for around 70 million years.
Engagement with Students and Visitors
Paleontologists continued to work throughout the summer at the Centre, preparing new fossils and engaging with students. The Paleo Lab was a hub of activity where students cleaned and preserved specimens, and they eagerly answered visitors' inquiries.
June is often the Centre's busiest month, hosting field trips from local schools to explore paleontology. A new program for high school students focused on biology and evolution has also been introduced.
Children enjoyed interactive experiences in the Paleo Lab, including fossil digging and a topography table projecting different terrains. One popular display included microscopes for examining various specimens, including an amber piece containing a mosquito, reminiscent of the film Jurassic Park.
The Centre also offers outdoor trails for exploration. Members participate in community events such as Dino Days, an anticipated occasion featuring puppet shows and a dinosaur treasure hunt.
The Centre is closing soon, giving visitors one last opportunity before the end of the season to learn and explore. Ultimately, if you missed Scotty and the T. Rex Discovery Centre this year, don’t worry; fossils have stood silent for millions of years and will await your next visit.
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