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Palaeontologists at the University of Alberta just reported the most Tyrannosaurus rex and the largest dinosaur skeleton ever found in Canada. The 13 meters long T. rex, nicknamed "Scotty", lived in prehistoric Saskatchewan 66 million years ago.
"This is the rex of rexes," said Scott Persons, lead author of the study and postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Biological Sciences. "There is a great variability in size between Tyrannosaurus, some of which were thinner than others and more robust, Scotty is a sturdy example, take careful measurements of his legs, hips and even shoulders, and Scotty comes out a little heavier than others T. rex specimens. "
Scotty, nicknamed the night of the discovery of a scotch bottle, has leg bones suggesting a live weight of over 8,800 kg, making it a larger animal than any other carnivorous dinosaur. The scientific work on Scotty was therefore a gigantic project.
The skeleton was discovered for the first time in 1991, when paleontologists, including T. rex Phil Currie, expert and professor from Alberta, was asked to participate in the project. But it took more than a decade to remove the hard sandstone that covered the bones – scientists have now been able to study Scotty completely assembled and realize how unique it is.
It's not just Scotty's size and weight that sets him apart. The Canadian mega-rex also claims seniority.
"Scotty is the oldest T. rex known, "explains" people. "By what I mean, he would have had the most candles on his birthday cake.You can get an idea of the age of a dinosaur by carving his bones and studying his drawings. Scotty is very old. "
But age is relative, and T. rexHe grew up quickly and died young. It is estimated that Scotty was in his early thirties only at his death.
"According to Tyrannosaurus standards, life was exceptionally long, and it was a violent life," said Persons. "The skeleton is riddled with pathologies – places where the scarred bone saves big wounds."
Scotty's injuries include broken ribs, an infected jaw and what could be a bite T. rex on his tail – the scars of a long life.
"I think there will always be bigger discoveries to make," said Persons. "But for the moment, this Tyrannosaurus is the largest known terrestrial predator of science."
A new exhibit featuring Scotty's skeleton is scheduled to open at the Royal Saskatchewan Museum in May 2019.
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Material provided by University of Alberta. Note: Content can be changed for style and length.
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