Reanalysis of Raptorex: A Juvenile Tyrannosaurid Dinosaur from Mongolia
Author Information
Author(s): Denver W. Fowler, Holly N. Woodward, Elizabeth A. Freedman, Peter L. Larson, John R. Horner
Primary Institution: Museum of the Rockies and Department of Earth Sciences, Montana State University
Hypothesis
Can the juvenile status of Raptorex kreigsteini be confirmed, and does it affect the understanding of tyrannosaurid evolution?
Conclusion
The juvenile status of Raptorex makes its use as a holotype unreliable, and there is no evidence to support that tyrannosaurid features evolved at small body size in the Early Cretaceous.
Supporting Evidence
- The juvenile status of LH PV18 makes its use as a holotype unreliable.
- Histological analysis indicates that LH PV18 is immature.
- The original identification of LH PV18 as a juvenile Tarbosaurus is consistent with its morphology.
- Stratigraphic evidence does not support the conclusion that Raptorex is from the Lower Cretaceous.
Takeaway
Scientists looked at a small dinosaur called Raptorex and found out it was actually a young version of a bigger dinosaur, which means it doesn't help us understand how these dinosaurs evolved.
Methodology
The study involved histological and osteological analysis of the specimen, comparing it to other tyrannosaurid specimens.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to reliance on historical data and misidentification of juvenile specimens.
Limitations
The specimen's provenance is uncertain, and its juvenile status complicates its use as a holotype.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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