Published in Science · View the paper (DOI)
A new study using hyoid bone analysis has confirmed that Nanotyrannus was a distinct species from T. rex, with the fossil standing at 18 feet tall compared to the massive 40-foot long T. rex. The findings provide conclusive evidence for the existence of Nanotyrannus and shed light on its growth patterns and ecosystem dynamics.
Coverage from 3 institutions
- New study confirms Nanotyrannus holotype was distinct species from T. rex University of Nebraska-Lincoln · Dec 4, 2025 · first to report
- 'Tiny' tyrannosaurid, Nanotyrannus lancensis, was a distinctive species, not juvenile T. Rex American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) · Dec 4, 2025
- Return of the short (tyrant) king: A new paper by Dinosaur Institute researcher shows Nanotyrannus was not a juvenile T. Rex Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County · Dec 4, 2025