Sci Adv January 2020 PMID 31911944

Growing up : Osteohistology refutes the pygmy "" and supports ontogenetic niche partitioning in juvenile .

Holly N Woodward, Katie Tremaine, Scott A Williams, Lindsay E Zanno, John R Horner, Nathan Myhrvold

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316

Peak: 3 in Jan 2020

across 6 sources since Jan 2020

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AI synopsis

What people are saying

The discussions reflect a strong consensus supporting the research's refutation of Nanotyrannus as a separate species, with comments emphasizing its role in understanding growth and ecological niches. The tone conveys excitement and intellectual engagement, often referencing scientific studies and using phrases like 'supports ontogenetic niche partitioning' and 'refutes the pygmy hypothesis,' illustrating both deep interest and perceived significant impact.

AgreementStrong agreement

Most discussions strongly support the findings, frequently mentioning that the research refutes the idea of a smaller pygmy species and highlights T. rex's growth patterns.

InterestHigh interest

The discussions show high interest, with users engaging in taxonomic debates and highlighting the significance of the research in understanding dinosaur development.

EngagementModerate engagement

Many comments analyze the implications of the findings, referencing specific studies and debating the presence of Nanotyrannus, showing moderate to deep engagement.

ImpactHigh impact

Participants believe the article has a high impact, emphasizing its importance for understanding dinosaur ecology and taxonomy, which could influence future research directions.

Abstract in brief

Osteohistology studies of juvenile T. rex bones show that these specimens were about 13 to 15 years old, growing at rates similar to modern birds and mammals, with growth influenced by resource availability.
The findings support the idea that T. rex individuals grow rapidly and undergo a size shift during development, which helps them occupy different ecological niches as they mature, rather than existing as smaller closely related species.
The study refutes the hypothesis of a smaller, coexisting tyrannosaurid species, emphasizing that T. rex alone exploited a range of mid to large-sized theropod niches toward the end of the Cretaceous period.]

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All mentions

Nanotyrannus Controversy: Juvenile T rex or Separate Species?

The debate about Nanotyrannus lancensis is one of the most fascinating discussions in paleontology. Recent osteohistology studies of juvenile T. rex bones reveal rapid growth rates and ecological niche changes…

Ben G Thomas · Jul 27, 2025 423,726 views

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Somniosus insomnus

@SomniosusW · X

@J_sArt06 @wzjbyg See eLetters (2) : https://t.co/4SIxpAdAQh

Jun 25, 2024 · 4 likes · 7,800 followers View post →

Gordon Neighbour

@CornubiaGeol · X

RT @jgilchrist13: Taxonomic debate on Tyrannosaurus rex. Growing up Tyrannosaurus rex: Osteohistology refutes the pygmy “Nanotyrannus”... W…

Mar 8, 2024 · 3 shares · 3,658 followers View post →

Jason Gilchrist

@jgilchrist13 · X

Mar 8, 2024 · 2 likes · 3 shares · 2,676 followers View post →

コサメ

@zaurus_Kosame · X

一個忘れてた。こっちの論文だとジェーンは13歳、ピーティーは15歳となってますね。（この論文は同属主張） https://t.co/KPS5gnSghQ

Jan 3, 2024 · 61 followers View post →

加藤ひろし (恐竜のお兄さん)

@Hiro_DinoPaleo · X

Aug 29, 2023 · 2 shares · 4,918 followers View post →

SF好き Science Fiction & Fantasy

@twinstar941 · X

Mar 30, 2022 · 2 shares · 1,149 followers View post →

加藤ひろし (恐竜のお兄さん)

@Hiro_DinoPaleo · X

Mar 27, 2022 · 4 likes · 2 shares · 4,918 followers View post →

iNANO - Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center

@iNANO_AarhusUni · X

@mkbendtsen @NatSci_AU It is most likely a #Nanotyrannus, yes. Maybe a sign that it is, in fact, a real species and not just a juvenile #TyrannosaurusRex

Dec 12, 2021 · 1,098 followers View post →

Gordon Neighbour

@CornubiaGeol · X

RT @geocappiello:

Jan 3, 2020 · 2 shares · 3,658 followers View post →

geocappiello

@geocappiello · X

Jan 3, 2020 · 1 like · 2 shares · 1,916 followers View post →

matiere*

@matiere · X

Growing up Tyrannosaurus rex: Osteohistology refutes the pygmy “Nanotyrannus” and supports ontogenetic niche partitioning in juvenile Tyrannosaurus | Science Advances https://t.co/iXpPqBtCbE https://t.co/R9I6n08F2M

Jan 2, 2020 · 2,835 followers View post →