Tyrannosaurus Research Articles

Enhancing residential heating load prediction with advanced machine learning and optimization techniques

The effective prediction of heating load in residential buildings is crucial for optimizing energy consumption and enhancing thermal comfort. This study investigates three prominent regression techniques Extra Tree Regression, Decision Tree Regression, and Support Vector Regression utilized for this purpose. To improve their predictive performance, a novel metaheuristic optimization algorithm, the Tyrannosaurus Rex Optimization Algorithm, is employed. The dataset used includes features such as Relative Compactness, Surface Area, Wall Area, Roof Area, Overall Height, Orientation, Glazing Area, and Glazing Area Distribution. Each machine learning model (Extra Tree Regression, Decision Tree Regression, Support Vector Regression) is trained on historical heating load data and optimized using the Tyrannosaurus Rex Optimization Algorithm to adjust internal parameters. Comparative analysis demonstrates that the proposed Extra Tree + Tyrannosaurus Rex Optimization Algorithm model achieves superior performance with an R-squared value of 0.987 and a low Root Mean Square Error of 1.167. By leveraging the strengths of different machine learning algorithms, this research presents a reliable approach for accurately predicting heating load in residential buildings. This method holds promise for improving energy efficiency, enhancing thermal comfort, and promoting sustainable building design.

Estimation of maximum body size in fossil species: A case study using Tyrannosaurus rex.

Among extant species, the ability to sample the extremes of body size-one of the most useful predictors of an individual's ecology-is highly unlikely. This improbability is further exaggerated when sampling the already incomplete fossil record. We quantify the likelihood of sampling the uppermost limits of body size in the fossil record using Tyrannosaurus rex Osborn, 1905 as a model, selected for its comparatively well-understood life history parameters. We computationally generate a population of 140 million T. rex (based on prior estimates), modelling variation about the growth curve both with and without sexual dimorphism (the former modelled after Alligator mississippiensis), and building in sampling limitations related to species survivorship and taphonomic bias, derived from fossil data. The 99th percentile of body mass in T. rex has likely already been sampled, but it will probably be millennia before much larger giants (99.99th percentile) are sampled at present collecting rates. Biomechanical and ecological limitations notwithstanding, we estimate that the absolute largest T. rex may have been 70% more massive than the currently largest known specimen (~15,000 vs. ~8800 kg). Body size comparisons of fossil species should be based on ontogenetically controlled statistical parameters, rather than simply comparing the largest known individuals whose recovery is highly subject to sampling intensity.

The artification of fossils in commercial art spaces: Dinosaurs in a desirescape

In this article we consider the movement of fossils into art commercial spaces as a process of artification underpinned by the deep object associations that art spaces foster. We combine observational data gathering at art and fossil fairs, dealerships, and auctions with snapshot analysis of the online market for Tyrannosaurus rex fossils, contextualized by interviews with palaeontologists and fossil dealers, to understand the increasing appearance of fossils within art commercial spaces. We believe that the placement of fossils within the art market desirescape, so within a network of alluring, provocative, affective art objects, allows the fossils to transform into what consumers would consider art. The fossils then gain the social associations that artworks have for these consumers. We believe that art and fossil consumers are not simply drawn to individual objects of desire, but to the myriad associations those objects have with other objects and the deep meanings those associations overlay. Those associations and the network they form can, in turn, transform the objects within it. When a fossil is artified, it can be desired like art, and can command art prices.

How smart was T. rex? Testing claims of exceptional cognition in dinosaurs and the application of neuron count estimates in palaeontological research.

Recent years have seen increasing scientific interest in whether neuron counts can act as correlates of diverse biological phenomena. Lately, Herculano-Houzel (2023) argued that fossil endocasts and comparative neurological data from extant sauropsids allow to reconstruct telencephalic neuron counts in Mesozoic dinosaurs and pterosaurs, which might act as proxies for behaviors and life history traits in these animals. According to this analysis, large theropods such as Tyrannosaurus rex were long-lived, exceptionally intelligent animals equipped with "macaque- or baboon-like cognition", whereas sauropods and most ornithischian dinosaurs would have displayed significantly smaller brains and an ectothermic physiology. Besides challenging established views on Mesozoic dinosaur biology, these claims raise questions on whether neuron count estimates could benefit research on fossil animals in general. Here, we address these findings by revisiting Herculano-Houzel's (2023) work, identifying several crucial shortcomings regarding analysis and interpretation. We present revised estimates of encephalization and telencephalic neuron counts in dinosaurs, which we derive from phylogenetically informed modeling and an amended dataset of endocranial measurements. For large-bodied theropods in particular, we recover significantly lower neuron counts than previously proposed. Furthermore, we review the suitability of neurological variables such as neuron numbers and relative brain size to predict cognitive complexity, metabolic rate and life history traits in dinosaurs, coming to the conclusion that they are flawed proxies for these biological phenomena. Instead of relying on such neurological estimates when reconstructing Mesozoic dinosaur biology, we argue that integrative studies are needed to approach this complex subject.

Reassessment of the enigmatic Late Cretaceous theropod dinosaur, Bagaraatan ostromi

Abstract The Late Cretaceous Bagaraatan ostromi, described by Osmólska in 1996, is one of the most enigmatic theropod dinosaurs. The holotype possesses a peculiar combination of features, which Osmólska suggested were indicative of a primitive position among theropods that could not be resolved further. Other researchers have pointed to affinities with either derived bird-like coelurosaurs or tyrannosaurids. Here, we reanalyse all material collected by Osmólska, which reveals it to be a chimaera of multiple theropod taxa. The femur, tibiotarsus, one pedal phalanx, and most of the bones undescribed in Osmólska’s paper are identified as Caenagnathidae indet. The mandible, cervical vertebrae, pelvis, tail, and one pedal phalanx, which we consider the holotype of B. ostromi, show tyrannosaurid affinities, which are here supported by phylogenetic analyses. We find only two potentially unique diagnostic features of the Bagaraatan holotype: double surangular foramina and a horizontal ridge on the lateral surface of the postacetabular process of the ilium. Both, however, may be ontogenetically or intraspecifically variable, and thus we conclude that the holotype of B. ostromi represents an indeterminate tyrannosaurid. The small size of the holotype and its possession of many features known to characterize juvenile Tyrannosaurus rex indicate that the skeleton belongs to a juvenile, which is one of the smallest juvenile tyrannosaurids currently known.

A giant tyrannosaur from the Campanian–Maastrichtian of southern North America and the evolution of tyrannosaurid gigantism

Tyrannosaurid dinosaurs dominated as predators in the Late Cretaceous of Laurasia, culminating in the evolution of the giant Tyrannosaurus rex, both the last and largest tyrannosaurid. Where and when Tyrannosaurini (T. rex and kin) originated remains unclear. Competing hypotheses place tyrannosaurin origins in Asia, or western North America (Laramidia). We report a new tyrannosaurin, Tyrannosaurus mcraeensis, from the Campanian–Maastrichtian Hall Lake Formation of New Mexico, based on a fossil previously referred to T. rex. T. mcraeensis predates T. rex by ~ 6–7 million years, yet rivaled it in size. Phylogenetic analysis recovers T. mcraeensis as sister to T. rex and suggests Tyrannosaurini originated in southern Laramidia. Evolution of giant tyrannosaurs in southern North America, alongside giant ceratopsians, hadrosaurs, and titanosaurs suggests large-bodied dinosaurs evolved at low latitudes in North America.

Taxonomic Status of Nanotyrannus lancensis (Dinosauria: Tyrannosauroidea)—A Distinct Taxon of Small-Bodied Tyrannosaur

Tyrannosaurs are among the most intensively studied and best-known dinosaurs. Despite this, their relationships and systematics are highly controversial. An ongoing debate concerns the validity of Nanotyrannus lancensis, interpreted either as a distinct genus of small-bodied tyrannosaur or a juvenile of Tyrannosaurus rex. We examine multiple lines of evidence and show that the evidence strongly supports recognition of Nanotyrannus as a distinct species for the following reasons: 1. High diversity of tyrannosaurs and predatory dinosaurs supports the idea that multiple tyrannosaurids inhabited the late Maastrichtian of Laramidia; 2. Nanotyrannus lacks characters supporting referral to Tyrannosaurus or Tyrannosaurinae but differs from T. rex in >150 morphological characters, while intermediate forms combining the features of Nanotyrannus and T. rex are unknown; 3. Histology shows specimens of Nanotyrannus showing (i) skeletal fusions, (ii) mature skull bone textures, (iii) slow growth rates relative to T. rex, (iv) decelerating growth in their final years of life, and (v) growth curves predicting adult masses of ~1500 kg or less, showing these animals are subadults and young adults, not juvenile Tyrannosaurus; 4. growth series of other tyrannosaurids, including Tarbosaurus and Gorgosaurus, do not show morphological changes proposed for a Nanotyrannus–Tyrannosaurus growth series, and deriving Tyrannosaurus from Nanotyrannus requires several changes inconsistent with known patterns of dinosaur development; 5. Juvenile T. rex exist, showing diagnostic features of Tyrannosaurus; 6. Phylogenetic analysis suggests that Nanotyrannus may lie outside Tyrannosauridae. Tyrannosaur diversity before the K-Pg extinction is higher than previously appreciated. The challenges inherent in diagnosing species based on fossils mean paleontologists may be systematically underestimating the diversity of ancient ecosystems.

Tyrannosaurus rex runs again: a theoretical analysis of the hypothesis that full-grown large theropods had a locomotory advantage to hunt in a shallow-water environment

Abstract Biomechanical analyses suggest that adult large theropods, such as Tyrannosaurus rex, could not run, and its top speed probably was at most 10 m/s. This probably implied a speed disadvantage of adult T. rex compared with some smaller potential prey. Living predators at a disadvantage owing to speed or manoeuvrability sometimes use the environment or special techniques to minimize those differences. Here, I made a theoretical analysis of the possibility that adult large theropods, such as T. rex, could occasionally pursue prey in water to take advantage of their body size. There are arguments based on scaling laws to support this hypothesis. To give an example, I applied a biomechanical model to estimate the speed in a shallow-water environment of adult T. rex and two smaller dinosaurs, a juvenile Edmontosaurus annectens and Struthiomimus sedens. I conclude that by wading or swimming, the adult T. rex would have been faster than smaller prey in water. I also suggest that in water, adult large theropods, such as T. rex, were able to use a running gait that was probably precluded on land. Finally, I propose a near-shore hunting scenario for adult T. rex and other full-grown large theropods.

Why <em>Monopoly</em> Monopolises Popular Culture Board Games

Why <em>Monopoly</em> Monopolises Popular Culture Board Games

Hindlimb musculature of the Lower Cretaceous (Barremian) Therizinosaur Falcarius utahensis (Maniraptora, Theropoda) with implications for evolution, stance, and stride

The hindlimb musculature of the basal therizinosaur Falcarius utahensis is reconstructed using observable muscle scars, information from extant birds and crocodylians, and current models of Tyrannosaurus rex. Its ancestral phylogenetic position within Therizinosauria based on recent analyses is accepted here. Falcarius is characterized by a propubic pelvis, whereas the more derived therizinosaur Nothronychus had an incipiently opisthopubic pelvis with a highly modified ilium. Therefore, the femur of Falcarius was modelled with a plesiomorphic vertical orientation at rest. The M. caudofemoralis longus was well-developed, indicating a hip-propelled gait, with a sinuous stride. These results strongly suggest that the opisthopubic pelvis, associated muscular changes, avian stance and mode of walking evolved more than once: once within the therizinosaur lineage and once beneath the paravian node. The center of mass would have been located roughly under the acetabulum. Falcarius would have been characterized by a narrow abdomen and a non-waddling gait, in contrast to the more derived Nothronychus, with an inferred knee-based retraction system.

Vital statistics, absolute abundance and preservation rate of Tyrannosaurus rex

AbstractI present a simulation model on vital statistics, absolute abundance (N, total number of individuals that ever lived) and preservation rate (p, minimum number of fossils known divided by N) of Tyrannosaurus rex. It is based on a published age‐structured population model that assumes a reptile or bird‐like reproduction for T. rex to estimate its age‐specific survival rates. My model applies input variables and equations from a recently published model on N and p. This model yielded 2.5 billion T. rex individuals (N) and one fossil per 80 million individuals (p). The average N values calculated by my model were at minimum 27.6% and p values at maximum 361.5% that of a previous model and uncertainties in all output variables were always larger in my model. The equation on output variable ‘population density’ introduced the largest uncertainty to N and p. The output variable ‘generation time’ differed the most between models, but for N and p, the huge size of the input area modelled and geological longevity minimized this difference. Unlike my model, the generation time as well as life expectancies, gross reproduction rates, and reproductive values of individuals calculated from the previous model all strongly contradicted our current understanding of the biology of T. rex and of other theropods. Their values also disagreed with those of large extant reptiles, birds and mammals. All of these shortcomings of the previous model favour the assessment of individual and population characteristics of T. rex and of other extinct species using my model.

Independent Evidence for the Preservation of Endogenous Bone Biochemistry in a Specimen of Tyrannosaurus rex.

Biomolecules preserved in deep time have potential to shed light on major evolutionary questions, driving the search for new and more rigorous methods to detect them. Despite the increasing body of evidence from a wide variety of new, high resolution/high sensitivity analytical techniques, this research is commonly met with skepticism, as the long standing dogma persists that such preservation in very deep time (>1 Ma) is unlikely. The Late Cretaceous dinosaur Tyrannosaurus rex (MOR 1125) has been shown, through multiple biochemical studies, to preserve original bone chemistry. Here, we provide additional, independent support that deep time bimolecular preservation is possible. We use synchrotron X-ray fluorescence imaging (XRF) and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) to investigate a section from the femur of this dinosaur, and demonstrate preservation of elements (S, Ca, and Zn) associated with bone remodeling and redeposition. We then compare these data to the bone of an extant dinosaur (bird), as well as a second non-avian dinosaur, Tenontosaurus tilletti (OMNH 34784) that did not preserve any sign of original biochemistry. Our data indicate that MOR 1125 bone cortices have similar bone elemental distributions to that of an extant bird, which supports preservation of original endogenous chemistry in this specimen.

Quantitative dual-energy CT as a nondestructive tool to identify indicators for fossilized bone in vertebrate paleontology

Dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) is an imaging technique that combines nondestructive morphological cross-sectional imaging of objects and the quantification of their chemical composition. However, its potential to assist investigations in paleontology has not yet been explored. This study investigates quantitative DECT for the nondestructive density- and element-based material decomposition of fossilized bones. Specifically, DECT was developed and validated for imaging-based calcium and fluorine quantification in bones of five fossil vertebrates from different geological time periods and of one extant vertebrate. The analysis shows that DECT material maps can differentiate bone from surrounding sediment and reveals fluorine as an imaging marker for fossilized bone and a reliable indicator of the age of terrestrial fossils. Moreover, the jaw bone mass of Tyrannosaurus rex showed areas of particularly high fluorine concentrations on DECT, while conventional CT imaging features supported the diagnosis of chronic osteomyelitis. These findings highlight the relevance of radiological imaging techniques in the natural sciences by introducing quantitative DECT imaging as a nondestructive approach for material decomposition in fossilized objects, thereby potentially adding to the toolbox of paleontological studies.

Global English: Neither a “Hydra” nor a “Tyrannosaurus Rex” or a “Red Herring” but an Ecology of Approaches Towards Social Justice

The aim of this paper is to reflect about the possibility of viewing Global English as an arena to use an ecology of approaches towards social justice. The discussion afforded here problematizes approaches that are purely recognition oriented, such as decolonial perspectives based on race, while also questioning the use of redistribution approaches based on class only and that do not consider critical perspectives. Drawing on the work of decolonial authors mainly from Latin America, four vignettes from the author’s experience are brought to illustrate the discussion. The argument advanced in the paper is that an ecology of approaches is needed to tackle recognition issues involved in language use but if the aim is to address redistribution, that is, social justice, language researchers have to incorporate new questions and perhaps approaches engaging to a much greater extent with the underlying causes of social injustice that correlates with the spread of English.

Closer examination does not support infection as cause for enigmatic Tyrannosaurus rex mandibular pathologies

Many tyrannosaurid specimens preserve unusual pathologies in the caudal half of the mandible that are of uncertain origin. The two main hypotheses put forth to date both suggest these pathologies are lesions resultant from infection either due to bacteria or protozoans. In light of this controversy, we provide a comparative anatomical study to characterize the pathophysiology of these enigmatic pathologies in order to elucidate their underlying cause. Human individuals that had been subjected to cranial trepanation and specimens of the late Triassic reptile Stagonolepis exhibiting healing fractures provide phylogenetic bracketing for investigating bone surface alterations induced by trauma in dinosaurs. Examination of mandibular pathologies in Tyrannosaurus rex FMNH PR2081 reveals all the characteristics of wound healing in the absence of infection. Additional evidence that refutes the previous hypothesis that these pathologies result from infection by the protozoan, Trichomonas gallinae, is discussed. Behavioral evidence suggests that these pathologies may be wounds induced through intraspecific combat.

Insufficient Evidence for Multiple Species of Tyrannosaurus in the Latest Cretaceous of North America: A Comment on “The Tyrant Lizard King, Queen and Emperor: Multiple Lines of Morphological and Stratigraphic Evidence Support Subtle Evolution and Probable Speciation Within the North American Genus Tyrannosaurus”

The Late Cretaceous dinosaur Tyrannosaurus rex was recently split into three species based on the premise that variation in the T. rex hypodigm is exceptional, indicating cryptic species and “robust” and “gracile” morphs. The morphs are based on proportional ratios throughout the skeleton. The species are claimed to be stratigraphically separate, with an early robust species followed by robust and gracile descendants. There are problems with the hypothesis: the taxon diagnoses are based on two features that overlap between the species; several skulls cannot be identified based on the diagnoses; proportional comparisons between Tyrannosaurus and other theropods are based on incomparable samples; the tooth data are problematic; the stratigraphic framework divides the Hell Creek Formation into thirds, without the stratigraphic position of each specimen, or independent age control showing the subdivisions are coeval over the entire geographic area; previous work found variation in T. rex, but it cannot be parsed into discrete categories. We tested for “gracile” and “robust” morphs by analyzing the femoral and tooth ratios that were published in the multiple species study using agglomerative hierarchical clustering. The results found that each set of ratios are explained by one cluster, showing that dimorphism is not supported. We tested for exceptional variation of the femoral ratio of Tyrannosaurus; we calculated the mean intraspecific robusticity for 112 species of living birds and 4 nonavian theropods. The results showed that the absolute variation in Tyrannosaurus is unexceptional and it does not indicate cryptic diversity. We conclude that “T. regina” and “T. imperator” are subjective junior synonyms of T. rex.

PROBABLE JUVENILE FRONTAL OF DASPLETOSAURUS HORNERI (DINOSAURIA: THEROPODA) FROM THE TWO MEDICINE FORMATION OF MONTANA, WITH IMPLICATIONS FOR TYRANNOSAURID ONTOGENY

A partial left frontal (UCM 55499) of a small tyrannosaurid theropod from the Campanian Two Medicine Formation of Montana is described, and is considered to probably represent a juvenile of Daspletosaurus horneri. UCM 55499 compares favorably with the frontals of other young juvenile tyrannosaurid specimens, and its diminutive size suggests that the element comes from a small juvenile individual. Differences (including width of the nasal process, and degree of expansion of the postorbital buttress and the caudal shelf) between it and frontals of the larger individuals of Daspletosaurus horneri are similar to those between juveniles and adults of other tyrannosaurids such as Tyrannosaurus rex, suggesting that overall ontogenetic trends in the frontal bone of Daspletosaurus horneri are largely consistent with the patterns seen in other tyrannosaurids.

New giant carnivorous dinosaur reveals convergent evolutionary trends in theropod arm reduction

Giant carnivorous dinosaurs such as Tyrannosaurus rex and abelisaurids are characterized by highly reduced forelimbs that stand in contrast to their huge dimensions, massive skulls, and obligate bipedalism.1,2 Another group that follows this pattern, yet is still poorly known, is the Carcharodontosauridae: dominant predators that inhabited most continents during the Early Cretaceous3-5 and reached their largest sizes in Aptian-Cenomaniantimes.6-10 Despite many discoveries over the last three decades, aspects of their anatomy, especially with regard to the skull, forearm, and feet, remain poorly known. Here we report a new carcharodontosaurid, Meraxes gigas, gen. et sp. nov., based on a specimen recovered from the Upper Cretaceous Huincul Formation of northern Patagonia, Argentina. Phylogenetic analysis places Meraxes among derived Carcharodontosauridae, in a clade with other massive South American species. Meraxes preserves novel anatomical information for derived carcharodontosaurids, including an almost complete forelimb that provides evidence for convergent allometric trends in forelimb reduction among three lineages of large-bodied, megapredatory non-avian theropods, including a remarkable degree of parallelism between the latest-diverging tyrannosaurids and carcharodontosaurids. This trend, coupled with a likely lower bound on forelimb reduction, hypothesized to be about 0.4 forelimb/femur length, combined to produce this short-armed pattern in theropods. The almost complete cranium of Meraxes permits new estimates of skull length in Giganotosaurus, which is among the longest for theropods. Meraxes also provides further evidence that carchardontosaurids reached peak diversity shortly before their extinction with high rates of trait evolution in facial ornamentation possibly linked to a social signaling role.

The Old Toponymy and New Topography of Zion: Utah, Photography, and Daniel George's Series God to Go West

The Old Toponymy and New Topography of Zion: Utah, Photography, and Daniel George's Series <i>God to Go West</i>

A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF LEXICAL BUNDLES USED BY NATIVE AND NON-NATIVE NOVEL WRITERS

The current study intends to explore the lexical bundles in English novels written by native and non-native writers. The study focuses on lexical bundle types and frequencies in the novels of native and non-native English writers. In this modern era of advancement, English has become a dominant language in every field and every country has accepted the preeminence of the English language as the “Tyrannosaurus rex of the linguistic grazing ground” (Swales, 1997). The novel is a genre of fiction and the language of novels is characterized by the use of various expressions, the use of lexical bundles is one of them. In non-native context knowledge about the English language can be improved by reading novels written by native writers. The present study provides insight into the native speakers’ use of lexical bundles in novel writing. Two novels namely Me Before You and Kartography serve as the corpus for study. The research paradigm is quantitative and Biber and Conrad’s (1999) structural taxonomy has been used as the framework for the study. The results revealed that native writers used far more lexical bundles than the non-native writer. Both novel writers used distinct and unique types of lexical bundles, only some types were common in both novels. The category “others” of lexical bundles held the highest place in both native and non-native novels. A variation regarding types can be seen in the second highest category of lexical bundles as in the native novel Me Before You the structure of other noun phrases held the second highest place while in the non-native novel Kartography the structure of other prepositional phrases held the second highest place. Keywords: Lexical bundles, Preeminence, Fiction, Expressions, Expertise