The Life and Times of Tyrannosaurus rex

Fossil preparator David Burnham and colleagues have been continuing work in Hell Creek, Montana and continue to search for more of KU’s Tyrannosaurus rex.  The T. rex makes an interesting research project since preliminary results indicate it may be a subadult — a rare data point where maximum growth levels and high morbidity are reached in tyrannosaurid life history. 

KU Geology undergraduate Kate Ruoff studied histologic sections made from the tibia and fibula and was able to confirm our initial findings placing the Tyrannosaurus rex in the 14 to 16 year old age group. The specimen also has a pathologic tibia that may be due to trauma or disease.