Tyrannosaurus rex, Osborn, 1905

Peter Larson, 2008, Variation and sexual dimorphism in Tyrannosaurus rex, Tyrannosaurus rex, the tyrant king, lndiana University Press, pp. 102-128 : 103-122

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https://doi.org/ 10.5281/zenodo.3942903

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https://treatment.plazi.org/id/2D55878C-D47F-292B-FF20-6A66FAD6F742

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Jeremy

scientific name

Tyrannosaurus rex
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The science of paleontology has often been accused of being more art than science. This assessment stems from the problems encountered when dealing with the paucity and incompleteness of the fossil record. Not the least of the problems confronting paleontologists is the scarcity of specimens. To date, 46 specimens (N. L. Larson this volume) consisting of more than a few associated bones have been assigned to Tyrannosaurus rex Osborn (1905, 1906). Although this is a robust representation for extinct theropods, when compared with extant populations, this number seems extremely inadequate. For example, Buss (1990) reported a 1973 count of 14,309 African elephants (Loxodonta africana) in the 3840 km2 (1483 mi2) Kabalega Falls National Park in Uganda. On its face, 46 specimens seems a paltry number from which to define a species, let alone attempt to identify males and females. Yet that is exactly what this stuck attempts. The use of modern taxonomic methods may be used to identify anomolous morphological characters and to remove questionable specimens from a taxon to which they have been unnaturally joined (more below). Taken even further, morphometries, physiology, and pathology can be used to help separate and define sex morphotypes.

Introduction

For this study, 34 specimens attributed to Tyrannosaurus rex , including specimens listed as Tyrannosaurus “x” and Nanotyrannus (considered as specimens of T. rex by Carr 1999), were examined. In addition, 2 specimens assigned to Tarbosaurus bataar , one assigned to Gorgosaurus and another to Albertosaurus , were examined as outgroups. These specimens are listed in Table 8.1.

Variation

In any population, individual variation within a species will occur. This variation is due to ontogeny, nutrition, genetic variance, pathology, and, of course, sexual dimorphism. Thus, it is imperative that these factors be excluded when examining the question: “Have researchers included specimens within the species T. rex , with variation beyond that expected within a living population?” Extant phylogenetic bracketing techniques ( Witmer 1995) were used to evaluate the characters used in this study for the purpose of isolating those attributable to intraspecific variation.

Tyrannosaurus rex Tyrannosaurus " x " Nanotyrannus Outgroups CM 9380 View Materials AMNH 5027 View Materials BMR P2002.4.1 Tarbosaurus CM 1400 MOR 008 CMNH 7541 BHI 6236 LACM 23844 SDSM 12047 BHI 6235 ZPAL-MgD-l/4 LACM 2345 Samson LACM 28471 Gorgosaurus MOR 009 MOR 1128 Albertosaurus MOR 1125 BHI 6234 MOR 555 MOR 980 FMNH PR2081 BHI 3033 BHI 4100 BHI 4182 BHI 6232 BHI 6231 BHI 6233 BHI 6230 BHI 6242 TCM2001.90.1 RTMP 81.12.1 RTMP 81.6.1 UCMP118742 BMNH R7994 View Materials NHM R8001 USNM V6183 LL.12823

TCM2001.89.1

Ontogenetic variation may include aspects other than the obvious increase in size. For example, it may also include an increase in the number of alveoli, or tooth positions (e. g., Edmontosaurus annectens ; personal observation). In certain groups (i.e., mammals), growth to adulthood may also include modification of tooth morphology, along with an increase in the number of tooth positions ( Romer 1966). For many vertebrates, ontogeny also includes an increase in body size at a faster rate than for the brain, eyes, and skull (Lockley et al. this volume). Nutritional variation may manifest itself as smaller bodysize and smaller body mass—differences that are not generally confused with taxonomic characters. Genetic variation may be monitored by using extant populations as examples ( Darwin 1868). Pathologic specimens showing evidence of disease or healed injury are relatively easily recognized, and are generally not reproducible from specimen to specimen in a form that would be noted as a taxonomic character. Finally, sexual dimorphism will be discussed in depth near the end of this chapter.

The Case for Tyrannosaurus " x "

More than 25 years ago, Robert Bakker (personal communication) made the case for dividing the North American genus Tyrannosaurus into 2 species, T. rex and what he refers to as Tyrannosaurus “x” ( Fig. 8.1 View Fig. 8.1 ). Bakker’s reasoning was based on a peculiar variation in the anterior dentition of the dentary. The type of Tyrannosaurus rex ( AMNH 973 = CM 9380 ) possesses a single incisiform tooth occupying the anterior position in the dentary. This tooth is morphologically reminiscent of the teeth of the premaxilla, is D shaped in cross section, and is substantially smaller than those directly posterior to it ( Figs. 8.2 View Fig. 8.2 and 8.3 View Fig. 8.3 ). Bakker also noted that AMNH 5027 View Materials appears to possess 2 incisors in each dentary. For lack of specimens, his views were never published. Paul (1988) and Molnar (1991) have both also considered the possibility of a second species of Tyrannosaurus .

A quarter of a century later, there now exist at least 15 reasonably complete Tyrannosaurus skulls. Three of these specimens ( MOR 008 , SDSM 12047 , and Samson ) share certain characters, including the double lower incisors, with AMNH 5027 View Materials ( Figs. 8.4 View Fig. 8.4 and 8.5 View Fig. 8.5 ). Because these “incisors” are either missing or were restored on all 4 specimens, without computed tomographic scans to look at unerupted teeth, the D-shaped morphology of these “incisors” is in question. The apparent differences seem to be best expressed by comparing the size of the second dentary tooth with that of the third, and because the teeth themselves were not always available to measure, the length of the second and third alveoli were measured and compared. The results of these measurements are found in Table 8.2.

Although all 4 skulls seem short when compared with full-grown individuals (i.e., BHI 3033 and FMNH PR2081 = BHI 2033 ), ontogenetic variation may be ruled out because other individuals of approximately the same skull length do not share this character. One of the specimens, Samson , has a femur (length, 129 cm) of comparable length to Stan ( BHI 3033 ; length, 131 cm), but whose skull is less than 80% as long (104 cm). A shorter skull and variation in lower jaw dentition is unlikely to be caused by differences in nutrition. Pathology may be ruled out because of the lack of any associated manifestation of healed injury. Genetic variance also seems improbable because no modern correlates exist. A case could be made for the differences in the dentition being attributable to sexual dimorphism. Although there are modern examples of sexual dimorphism in the canines of some primates ( Martin et al. 1994) and in the canines or incisors of walrus, elephants, bush pig, and hippopotamus ( Lincoln 1994), sexual dimorphism expressed as differences in dentition in extant taxa seems to be restricted to mammals. Any dental expression of sexual dimorphism remains undocumented for crocodilians, extinct toothed birds (extant phylogenetic bracketing), or other extant reptiles.

Can the difference in the teeth be attributable to speciation? Although stratigraphic information for the 4 specimens is unavailable, there are good records available for Tyrannosaurus rex . BHI 2033 was collected 16 m below the K-T boundary in the Hell Creek Formation (the Hell Creek in the area, near Buffalo, SD, is approximately 150 m thick). A second indisputable specimen of Tyrannosaurus rex ( BHI 4182 ) was collected nearby, from within 10 m of the base of the formation, and it represents perhaps the oldest known record of Tyrannosaurus from North America (Kirk Johnson, personal communication). Geographic distribution is also not a factor, because T. rex cooccurs with T. “x.”

Dentary and maxillary tooth (alveoli) counts also seem to vary between the 2 “species.” This is particularly evident in the dentary, with 13 or 14 for Tyrannosaurus rex and 14 or 15 for T. “x.” The distribution of all of these characters, with Tarbosaurus bataar as an outgroup, are listed in Table 8.3.

A fourth character separating the 2 forms is the relative size of the lateral pneumatic lachrymal foramen. Specimens referable to T. “ x ” have relatively smaller lateral pneumatic lachrymal foramina than those of Tyrannosaurus rex ( Fig. 8.6 View Fig. 8.6 ). When measured and plotted as lachrymal foramina length vs. lachrymal length ( Fig. 8.7 View Fig. 8.7 ), Tyrannosaurus “x” clusters separately from T. rex (as do Gorgosaurus and Nanotyrannus ). However, it should be noted that the size of the lachrymal foramina in Allosaurus is extremely' variable, and this difference between T. rex and T. “ x ” may not be statistically significant, especially given the sample size (Kenneth Carpenter, personal communication).

Are these 4 cranial characters enough to erect a new species? (No significant postcranial characters were noted.) Because we are dealing with an extinct group, doing so at this time might be premature. Although it is likely that a second North American Latest Cretaceous species of Tyrannosaurus exists, all of the specimens in questions are in need of further preparation that will permit a more thorough comparison with the type (AMNH 973 = CM 9380 View Materials ) and other referred specimens. Fortunately, preparation of 2 of the specimens ( SDSM 12047 and Samson ) is already underway. The ultimate disposition of Tyrannosaurus “x” may soon be resolved.

Is Nanotyrannus lancensis a Juvenile Tyrannosaurus rex ?

The genus Nanotyrannus was erected by Bakker et al. (1988) for the type specimen ( CMNH 7541 ) of Gorgosaurus lancensis Gilmore (1946). This specimen ( Fig. 8.8 View Fig. 8.8 ) consists of a relatively complete skull preserved with the jaws in occlusion, with very little distortion and no associated postcra- nial material. Bakker et al. (1988) argued that certain derived characters, including the construction of the basicranium, the angle of the occipital condyle, the maxillary tooth count, the overall tooth morphology, the relative narrowness of the snout, and the expansion of the temporal region of the skull clearly separated this specimen from other tyrannosaur clades ( Gorgosaurus , Albertosaurus , Daspletosaurus , and Tyrannosaurus ).

Although the characters discussed by Bakker et al. (1988) clearly separated this specimen from its earlier assignment to Gorgosaurus , its distance from the Tyrannosaurus clade seemed less defined. They both “achieved the highest degree of potential stereoscopy known among large theropods,” and they agree in characters, including the orientation of the occipital condyle ( Bakker et al. 1988, p. 25). They also address the question of the skull being that of a juvenile: “The sutures between the lachrymal and prefrontal have thoroughly coalesced in Nanotyrannus , as have the sutures between frontals and prefrontals.... Without question, the type of Nanotyrannus was fully adult and had reached the maximum size the individual would have attained if it had lived longer” ( Bakker et al. 1988, p. 17).

Carpenter (1992, pp. 259, 260) disagreed with Bakker et al. (1988) when he noted that “the coalescence of cranial bones is known to be variable in dinosaurs” bringing under suspicion “its usability to ‘age’” dinosaurs. Carpenter further noted that “the oval shape of the orbit” may well be a juvenile character. He concluded that Nanotyrannus lancensis could be a juvenile T. rex .

Carr (1999) expanded this possibility. On the basis of 17 specimens referred to Albertosaurus libratus , Carr erected an ontogenetic series of growth stages (1-3). From bone texture, lack of fusion, shape of the orbit, and overall skull morphology, Carr placed CMNH 7541 into his stage 1, the youngest in his ontogenetic series. Carr then declared Nanotyrannus lancensis to be a juvenile Tyrannosaurus rex . In later arguments ( Carr and Williamson 2004; Carr et al. 2005), this designation was used to establish a growth series for T. rex , establishing a sequence of changes from the small juvenile LACM 28471 , followed by the juvenile CMNH 7541 (stage 1), through subadults LACM 23845 and AMNH 5027 View Materials , to the fully grown adults LACM 23844 and FMNH PR2081 (BHI 2033 ).

Although Carr (1999) presented a compelling and thoughtful argument, not all paleontologists agree with his assessment. Currie (2003, p. 223) pointed out that “most of the characters used to demonstrate that Nanotyrannus and Tyrannosaurus are synonymous are also characters of Tarbosaurus and Daspletosaurus . ” Bakker et al. (1988; personal communication) noted the discrepancy in tooth counts—15 maxillary teeth in Nanotyrannus and 11 or 12 in Tyrannosaurus rex —and the lack of tooth reduction ontogeneticallv in the maxilla of any extant species. The primitive compressed nature of Nanotyrannus teeth ( Bakker et al. 1988) as compared with the derived inflated teeth seen in T. rex and evidence of feeding behavior differences also argue for the uniqueness of CMNH 7541 (Larson 1999). Because the growth series argument of Carr is rooted in the assumption that Nanotyrannus is a juvenile T. rex , much of Carr’s concept of ontogenetic change and ontogenetic stages in Tyrannosaurus rex is in question (Jorn Hurum, personal communication). I agree with Carr and Williamson’s (2004) assessment of LACM 28471 (the so-called Jordan theropod) with CMNH 7541 (the type of Nanotyrannus ), and with the designation of the subadult LACM 23845 as Tyrannosaurus rex . However, I disagree with the subadult designation of AMNH 5027 View Materials , which groups as a full adult with Tyrannosaurus “x” and with Nanotyrannus as a juvenile T. rex .

An isolated left lachrymal ( BHI 6235 ) comparable in size and morphology to CMNH 7541 was found associated with Sue ( FMNH PR2081 ) and erroneously identified as a juvenile T. rex (Larson 1997) . It, too, should be referred to Nanotyrannus . Finally, the recent discovery of a fourth specimen ( BMR P2002.4.1 ) is clearly referable to Nanotyrannus . This specimen, nicknamed Jane, in addition to many uncrushed and well-preserved skull elements with a nearly complete dentition, also preserves much of the postcranial skeleton.

Although this subject is discussed in detail elsewhere ( Currie 2003; Currie et al. 2003; Larson in press), a list of characters separating Nanotyrannus from Tyrannosaurus is presented in Table 8.4. For purposes of comparison as outgroups, those characters are also listed for Tyrannosaurus “x, ” Tarbosaurus , Gorgosaurus , and Albertosaurus .

Sexual Dimorphism in Tyrannosaurus rex

Is it possible to recognize sexual dimorphism in Tyrannosaurus rex ? The subject of sexual dimorphism in nonavian theropods has been examined by a number of authors over the years (e.g., Paul 1988; Colbert 1989, 1990; Raath 1990; Chinsamy 1990; Gay 2005). The subject of sexual dimorphism in Tyrannosaurus rex has surfaced repeatedly since Carpenter first broached the subject in 1990 ( Molnar 1991; Larson and Frey 1992; Larson 1994, 1995, 2001; Horner and Lessem 1993; Carpenter and Smith 2001; Larson and Donnan 2002; Brochu 2003; Molnar 2005). These authors have also explored the possibilities of identifying, or at least separating, the sexes of various theropod species on the basis of differences in cranial ornamentation ( Larson 1994; Molnar 2005), pelvic construction ( Carpenter 1990; Larson 1994, 1995, 2001; Larson and Donnan 2002), erosion of the femur to liberate calcium for egg production ( Chinsamy 1990), preservation of medullary bone ( Schweitzer et al. 2005), differences in hemal arch (chevron) morphology ( Larson and Frey 1992; Larson 1994, 1995; Erickson et al. 2005), the presence of eggs within the pelvic arc ( Sato et al. 2005), and skeletal morph (i.e., gracile vs. robust morphs) ( Paul 1988; Carpenter 1990; Raath 1990; Chinsamy 1990; Larson and Frey 1992; Larson 1994, 1995, 2001; Larson and Donnan 2002; Carpenter and Smith 2001).

Sexual dimorphism in extant animals is well documented. We recognize this in mammals as the presence of antlers in male cervids; longer and more massive tusks in male elephants, suids, and walrus; larger horns in male bovids; the presence of canines in male equids; and a generally larger male body size (e.g., Macdonald 1984). This sexual size dimorphism can be quite impressive, reaching as much as a 7:1 (3500 kg: 500 kg) ratio of male to female body mass in the southern elephant seal, Mirounga leonina ( Lindenfors et al. 2002). Interestingly, for many mammals, the only obvious sexual dimorphism, excluding genitalia, is expressed in adult size, with males outweighing females ( Macdonald 1984).

Many reptile groups (e.g., crocodilians; Bellairs 1970) seem to follow this mammalian pattern of sexual size dimorphism. However, it is not always the males who outweigh the females. In turtles and snakes ( Fitch 1981), and even in a few mammal groups like baleen whales ( Minasian et al. 1984) and hyenas ( Estes 1991), sexual size dimorphism is expressed by females being larger than males. Species of invertebrates, to offer other examples, are often quite sexually size dimorphic, with the female, almost without exception, being the larger. In fact, the world record holder for the most sexually size-dimorphic animal is the blanket octopus, Tremoctopus violaceus, where females may outweigh males by as much as 40,000 to 1 ( Norman et al. 2002).

Birds, the closest living relatives to nonavian theropods, are often quite sexually dimorphic. This dimorphism may be expressed as differences in coloration (the ostrich, Struthio camelus), plumage (the common peafowd, Pavo cristatus ), keratinous structures (the rhinoceros hornbill, Buceros rhinoceros ), fleshy head ornamentation (the common turkey, Meleagris gallopavo ), or even inflatable fleshy structures (the greater prairie chicken, Tympanuchus cupido ). Unfortunately, because none of these features is likely to be preserved in the fossil record, they are not much use in recognizing sexual dimorphism in extinct theropods. Sexual size dimorphism however, is effective in separating males from females in some bird species (Brad Livezey, personal communication). Sexual size dimorphism may also prove recognizable in nonavian theropods like Tyrannosaurus rex .

,

For many birds, sexual size dimorphism is measurable. It manifests itself as males larger than females in gulls ( Ingolfsson 1969; Schnell et al. 1985; Bosch 1996), steamer ducks ( Livezey and Humphrey 1984), sparrows (Mc- Gillivray and Johnston 1987), and skimmers and terns ( Coulter 1986; Quinn 1990), among others. Sexual size dimorphism also occurs with females larger than males in spotted owls ( Blakesley et al. 1990), ospreys ( Schaadt and Bird 1993), sandpipers ( Sandercock 1998), emus ( Maloney and Dawson 1993), and so forth. Morphometric analysis, performed by skeletal measurements, has proven effective in separating sex when the difference in mass is over 6% ( Schnell et al. 1985). It has even been possible to separate the sexes of mature individuals through morphometric examination (by using bill, wing, and tail measurements) when mass differences between the sexes was insignificant or even indiscernible ( Winker et al. 1994).

Although researchers have referred to the presence of robust and gracile morphotypes, Molnar (2005) points out that to date, these morphotypes have not been adequately quantified, but rather are generally based on visual assessments. Is it possible to recognize and quantify sexual size dimorphism, and clearly classify individual Tyrannosaurus specimens as robust or gracile morphs? To answer this, I have taken measurements of select elements from 25 specimens of Tyrannosaurus rex . Measurements were also taken for 2 outgroup specimens assigned bv this study to Nanotyrannus lancensis ( CMNH 7541 and BMR P2002.4.1 ) and one to Gorgosaurus sp. (TCM2001.89.1). Even though this study considers Tyrannosaurus “x” to be the same genus as T. rex and hence should be separable in a consistent manner, 3 of these specimens ( AMNH 5027 View Materials , Samson , and MOR 008 ) also appear as outgroups. Measurements varied from element to element and consisted of lengths, widths, heights, and/or circumference, as shown in Figure 8.9 View Fig. 8.9 ; the values are found in Tables 8.5 and 8.6. Clustering on graphs is assumed to separate sexual size dimorphs. The results were then compared with a visual analysis that divided robust morphs from gracile. Some elements failed to provided significant results (e. g., dentary length vs. tooth row length). For other elements, there was simply not enough data to yield meaningful results (e. g., metatarsal II length vs. circumference, Fig. 8.11 View Fig. 8.11 ; ilium length vs. height, Fig. 8.12 View Fig. 8.12 ; and humerus length vs. circumference, Fig. 8.13 View Fig. 8.13 ), although visual examination was able to separate them, indicating that the human eye can see apparent differences (as in Fig. 8.10 View Fig. 8.10 ). Elements that provided too few' data may yet prove useful for quantifiable analysis when additional specimens are discovered. Elements that were abundant, such as the femur ( Fig. 8.14 View Fig. 8.14 ) and humerus ( Fig. 8.13 View Fig. 8.13 ), yielded clear results, which confirmed their separation by visual inspection: robust plotted individuals look more robust.

From the results of the analysis, 2 morphs of Tyrannosaurus are apparent, a robust and a gracile morph. Neither geographic nor stratigraphic distribution can explain these differences. Therefore, because both crocodiles and birds show sexual size dimorphism, extant phylogenetic bracketing tells us that the most parsimonious explanation for the presence of these 2 morphs is sexual size dimorphism. The formula developed by Anderson etal. (1985) was used to estimate the mass of the robust and gracile morphs from femur diameter. The weight estimates ( Table 8.7) show a maximum weight for the gracile morphs of 4.0 metric tonnes, with a mean of 3.5 metric tonnes (6 individuals); and a maximum weight of 5.6 metric tonnes and a mean of 4.7 metric tonnes for robust morphotypes (9 individuals).

Male or Female

Given that the presence of 2 morphs has been established for Tyrannosaurus rex , can we determine the sex of the morphotypes? Carpenter (1990) suggested that, on the basis of the greater divergence of ischium ( Fig. 8.17 View Fig. 8.17 ), the robust form was female. Larson and Frey (1992) agreed with Carpenter, and they further suggested that the location and morphology of the first chevron might also be used to yield the same result. However, this method has proven unreliable ( Erickson et al. 2005). Elsewhere, I ( Larson 1994, 1995) have suggested that the wider pelvic arch and healed injuries of the proximal caudal vertebrae (consistant with injuries potentially inflicted by a mounting male during copulation) were restricted to robust morphotypes. I (Larson 2001; Larson and Donnan 2002) supported Carpenter’s (1990) conclusion that robust individuals were female. But because of the tenuous nature of these conclusions, I bas e speculated that one way to positively recognize a female is to locate medullary bone within the skeleton ( Larson and Donnan 2002). Medullary bone is only deposited within the medullary cavity in the long bones of female birds during ovulation, as an aid to the quick mobilization of calcium for egg production ( Taylor 1970; Welty and Baptista 1988; Schweitzer et al. this volume). Although the absence of medullary bone is inconclusive (it is not found in males and nonovulating females), its presence unequivocally identifies a female.

Medullary bone has not been documented in ovulating female crocodilians. Although ovulating birds have medullary bone, there were no guarantees that ancestral nonavian theropods shared this character. What would be the chances of finding the fossil of an ovulating female Tyrannosaurus rex , preserving the medullary bone, exposing the inside of the medullary cavity, and recognizing and then verifying that the tissue is medullary bone’ Unbelievably, that is exactly what Schweitzer et al. (2005, this volume) did. Schweitzer et al. have verified the presence of medullary bone within the femur of a specimen of Tyrannosaurus rex by comparison with medullary bone extracted from laying chickens (Callus gallus) and ostriches (Struthio camelus). By plotting information from the femur from which the medullary bone was found ( MOR 1125 ), it was found that the specimen clusters with robust morphotypes ( Fig. 8.18 View Fig. 8.18 ), thereby providing independent supporting evidence that the robust morphotypes are most certainly females. We may therefore assume that the gracile morphotvpes are males

Specimen Type Femur Length (mm) Femur Circumference (mm) Mass (kg) Mass (tonne) Morph T. rex CM 9380 View Materials 1200 545 4726 4.7 R BMNH R7994 View Materials 490 3535 3.5 MOR 1128 1260 580 5601 5.6 R MOR 1125 B-rex 1150 510 3943 3.9 R MOR 555 Wankel rex 1275 514 4028 4.0 G MOR 980 Peck's Rex 1232 483 3399 3.4 G FMNH PR2081 Sue 1340 580 5601 5.6 R BHI 3033 Stan 1310 500 3735 3.7 G BHI 6232 1180 527 4312 4.3 R BHI 6233 1110 515 4049 4.1 R BHI 6230 Wyrex 1190 494 3614 3.6 G BHI 6242 Henry 1180 512 3985 4.0 R RTMP 81.12.1 Huxley 1200 560 5090 5.1 R RTMP 81.6.1 Back Beauty 1210 470 3155 3.2 G USNM V6183 990 425 2397 2.4 LL12823 1200 467 3100 3.1 G T. " x " Samson Z-rex 1295 560 5090 5.1* R BMR P2002.4.1 Nanotyrannus 720 250 563 0.6 Gorgosaurus 825 270 695 0.7

TCM2001.89.1

Conclusion

This study examined 34 specimens that have been assigned by various authors to Tyrannosaurus rex . This list also included specimens ascribed by some authors to Nanotyrannus lancensis but synonymized by others with T. rex . By use of shared and derived characters, these specimens ( CMNH 7541 , LACM 28471 , BMR P2002.4.1 , and BHI 6235 ) may clearly be removed from the clade, thus validating the work of Gilmore (1946) and Bakker et al. (1988). Also ofcontention is a group of4 specimens ( AMNH 5027 View Materials , MOR 008 , SDSM 12047 , and Samson ) that have been referred to as Tyrannosaurus “x . ” Again, by use of taxonomic characters, there is ample evidence to remove them from the species rex, but maintain them within the genus Tyrannosaurus .

By use of morphometric analysis, gracile and robust morphs are confirmed to be present within the clade Tyrannosaurus rex . Extant phylogenetic bracketing (comparison with living crocodiles and birds) leads us to conclude that the existence of these 2 morphs most parsimoniously represents sexual dimorphism. The discovery of medullary bone within the medullary cavity of a robust specimen of T. rex established MOR 1125 as female ( Schweitzer et al. 2005), and therefore all other robust T. rex specimens are, in all probability, also female.

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