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What does the new dinosaur species tell us about dinosaur diversity?
The discovery of Nanotyrannus as a separate species indicates that there was greater diversity among tyrannosaurs than previously believed. It suggests that multiple tyrannosaur species coexisted, each with unique features, challenging the idea that only one dominant species like T. rex existed during the late Cretaceous.
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How does this discovery change our understanding of the late Cretaceous period?
This finding provides new insights into the ecosystems of the late Cretaceous, showing that dinosaur populations were more varied and complex. It also helps scientists better understand predator-prey relationships and how different species adapted to their environments before the mass extinction event.
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Why was Nanotyrannus previously thought to be a juvenile T. rex?
For many years, fossils of Nanotyrannus were thought to belong to juvenile T. rex because of similarities in skull shape and size. However, recent analysis of growth rings and skeletal features has shown that Nanotyrannus was an adult and a separate species, overturning decades of scientific debate.
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What other recent fossil finds have reshaped our understanding of dinosaurs?
Recent discoveries, including well-preserved skeletons and new species, continue to challenge old ideas about dinosaurs. For example, the identification of multiple tyrannosaur species and the discovery of feathered dinosaurs have expanded our knowledge of their diversity, behavior, and evolution.
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How do scientists determine if a fossil is a new species?
Scientists analyze various features such as bone structure, growth rings, and anatomical differences. In the case of Nanotyrannus, detailed comparisons of skeletal features and evidence from growth rings proved it was an adult and a distinct species, not just a juvenile of another species.