The first known fossils of Tyrannosaurus rex embryos have shed light on the early development of these colossal creatures.
A group of paleontologists led by a researcher fromof the University of Edinburgh made the discovery after studying fossilized remains of a tiny jawbone and claw discovered in Canada and the United States. Three-dimensional scanning of the fragile fragments showed that they belonged to baby tyrannosaurs - relatives of Tyrannosaurus rex - which, judging by the size of the fossils, were about a meter long when first born.
An artist's impression of a young tyrannosaurus. Credit: Julius Csotonyi
Research results suggest eggstyrannosaurs - whose remains have never been found - were about half a meter in length. The analysis also showed that the 3-centimeter jawbone possesses the distinctive features of a Tyrannosaurus rex, including a pronounced chin.
Little is known today about the earliest stagesdevelopment of tyrannosaurs that lived more than 70 million years ago. And this despite the fact that they were one of the most studied families of dinosaurs. Most of the previously examined tyrannosaur fossils were from adults or older, young animals.
Research published inCanadian Journal of Earth Sciences, was supported by the Royal Society, the CouncilScience and Engineering Research Canada; and the National Science Foundation. Researchers from the Universities of Alberta and Calgary, Canada, and the Universities of Montana and Chapman, USA also participated.
Zoomed-in silhouette of Tyrannosaurus rex cubs Photo: Greg Funston
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