Basic Tyrannosaur Info

     The family tyrannosauridae contains a large number of genra including Albertasaurus, Gorgosaurus, Alioramus, Aublysodon, Daspletosaurus, Deinodon (possibly a Gorgosaurus), Nanotyrannus, Tarbosaurus (both Nanotyrannus and Tarbosaurus may actually be Tyrannosaurus), and most notably, Tyrannosaurus.  They are known for large, muscular jaws, tiny arms, bipedalism, and robust teeth. The teeth were typically "D" shaped, though their robustness varied.  They were all formidable carnivores, though there is speculation as to whether they were active hunters or scavengers.  The truth usually lies in the in-between.  Like other predators, both modern and prehistoric, evidence shows that tyrannosaurs would behave agressively toward each other, often inflicting severe damage.

Albertasaurus

     Albertasaurus was a North American tyrannosaur that lived during the late Cretaceous, about 70 million years ago.  Obviously, it was first discovered in Alberta, Canada.  It could grow to over 30 feet long. Gorgosaurus is often considered a species of Albertasaurus, as opposed to being its own genus.

Daspletosaurus
    
Daspletosaurus was another North American tyrannosaur that lived in the late Cretaceous, about 75 million years ago.  Its arms were a bit longer than in other tyrannosaurs.  Daspletosaurus could grow to about 30 feet long and is known for the ridges or crests above its eyes.

Nanotyrannus
     Nanotyrannus is a fascinating "genus".  It was a rather slender and small tyrannosaur.  Given the nature of its size and build, several paleontologists have argued that it is not a seperate genus, but is, rather, a juvenile Tyrannosaurus rex.  The discovery of a juvenile Tyrannosaurus named Jane has given more evidence that Nanotyrannus is indeed Tyrannosaurus.

Tarbosaurus
     Tarbosaurus was an Asian genus living about 70 million years ago.  Its similarity to the North American Tyrannosaurus rex, has convinced many paleontologists that Tarbosaurus is actually a species of Tyrannosaurus, giving it the new name, Tyrannosaurus bataar.

Tyrannosaurus
   
Tyrannosaurus roamed west North America during the end of the Cretaceous, about 67 million years ago.  The largest "complete" Tyrannosaurus ever found, named Sue, is 42 feet long and just over 13 feet tall at the hips.  Despite Sue's massive size, remains have since been found that suggest a 10% larger animal.  Being one of the first massive carnivores to be discovered has earned Tyrannosaurus a place as the most famous dinosaur of all time.
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