Scientists pitch a T-rex extended universe with new species
A new research paper argues there was not one, but three different Tyrannosaurus species
Science is all about refinement. Take Pluto, for example: First a planet, then a dwarf planet, then avenged with a new ninth planet… then potentially one of, like, 150 planets in our solar system? That last suggestion still confuses us, to be honest. Oh, and there’s now a fifth ocean here on Earth, too, if you weren’t aware.
Then there’s the Tyrannosaurus Rex—easily the most recognizable and fearsome dinosaur of all time, at least until everyone found out they sprouted dinky little feathers and were super picky eaters when they weren’t toting around babies in their maws. They’re played out, is what we’re saying, which is probably why a few scientists’ new research paper argues that there wasn’t just one T-rex species stomping around primordial Earth, but three species, each with their own revitalizing spinoff franchise potentials!
As the New York Times recently reported, a group including independent paleontologist and paleoartist, Gregory Paul (no relation to the author), contends that the Tyrannosaurus genus also included two other species alongside Rex, dubbed the admittedly badass Imperator (Emperor) and Regina (Queen).