SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY: Researchers discover new tyrannosaur species

Published: Friday, October 31, 2025 at 6:06 pm

New Tyrannosaur Species Discovered, Challenging Dinosaur Taxonomy

A groundbreaking study published in the journal *Nature* has reignited the debate surrounding the classification of tyrannosaurs, suggesting that some smaller specimens previously thought to be juvenile *Tyrannosaurus rex* may actually represent a distinct species, *Nanotyrannus lancensis*. The research, based on a detailed analysis of the "duelling dinosaurs" fossil, a remarkable specimen of a tyrannosaur locked in combat with a *Triceratops*, has provided compelling evidence to support this claim.

The "duelling dinosaurs" fossil, unearthed in 2006, was acquired by the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences (NCMNS) in recent years, allowing for in-depth scientific investigation. Researchers, including Dr. Lindsay Zanno from North Carolina State University and the head of palaeontology at NCMNS, found that the fighting tyrannosaur possessed anatomical features inconsistent with those of a juvenile *T. rex*. These features include a higher tooth count, enlarged hands, a shorter tail, a unique pattern of cranial nerves and sinuses, and a smaller adult body size. The study suggests that the specimen is an adult *Nanotyrannus lancensis*, weighing only 1,500 pounds after two decades of growth.

The name *Nanotyrannus lancensis* was initially proposed in 1946 for a small skull discovered in Montana. However, the scientific community later dismissed it as a juvenile *T. rex*. The current research, however, argues that *Nanotyrannus lancensis* was a distinct species that coexisted with *T. rex* in the same ecosystems. Furthermore, the study suggests that the skeleton of a juvenile dinosaur named Jane, discovered in 2001, is also a *Nanotyrannus* specimen, not a young *T. rex*.

This discovery has significant implications for paleontological research. For decades, scientists have used presumed *Nanotyrannus* specimens to understand the biology of *T. rex*, including its locomotion, growth, diet, and life history. These studies may need to be reevaluated in light of this new evidence. While the findings are compelling, some experts remain cautious. Professor Steve Brusatte of the University of Edinburgh, while acknowledging the evidence supporting the existence of *Nanotyrannus*, expressed reservations about the possibility of multiple *Nanotyrannus* species and the difficulty in distinguishing between adult *Nanotyrannus* and teenage *T. rex*.

BNN's Perspective:

This research highlights the dynamic nature of scientific understanding. While the reclassification of dinosaur species may seem like a niche topic, it underscores the importance of rigorous analysis and the willingness to revise long-held beliefs. The ongoing debate within the scientific community reflects the complexity of paleontological research and the constant pursuit of a more accurate understanding of the past.

Keywords: Tyrannosaur, Nanotyrannus lancensis, T. rex, dinosaur, fossil, duelling dinosaurs, paleontology, species, juvenile, Montana, North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, Dr. Lindsay Zanno, Professor Steve Brusatte, Hell Creek Formation, Nature

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