Jane (dinosaur)

Infobox fossil

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catalog number = BMRP 2002.4.1
common name = Jane
species = "Tyrannosaurus rex"
age = 66 mya
place discovered = Hell Creek Formation, Montana, United States
date discovered = 2001
discovered by = Carol Tuck and Bill Harrison

Jane the nickname given to a fossil specimen of small tyrannosaurid dinosaur (probably a juvenile "Tyrannosaurus rex", officially known as BMRP 2002.4.1, discovered in the Hell Creek Formation in southern Montana. After four years of preparation, Jane was put on display at Rockford, Illinois' Burpee Museum of Natural History as the centerpiece of an exhibit called "Jane: Diary of a Dinosaur." Paleontologists who support the theory that Jane represents a juvenile believe the tyrannosaur was approximately 11 years old at its time of death, and its fully restored skeleton measured 6.5 metres (21.5 ft) long, about half as long as the largest known complete "T. rex" specimen, nicknamed "Sue," which measures 13 m (42.6 ft) long. The weight of the Jane specimen in life was probably nearly 680 kg (1,500 lbs). Its large feet and long legs indicate it was built for speed and could possibly run as fast as 20-30 miles per hour. Its lower jaw has 17 curved, serrated teeth. Despite having a typically female name, Jane's sex is unknown--the specimen was named after Burpee Museum benefactor Jane Solem. The specimen was found in the summer of 2001 by Carol Tuck and Bill Harrison. Ms. Tuck and Mr. Harrison were team members of an expedition led by Burpee Museum curator Michael Henderson. [http://www.niu.edu/PubAffairs/RELEASES/2005/sept/dinosympsm.shtml] The Jane specimen has been central to the debate regarding the validity of the proposed tyrannosaurid genus "Nanotyrannus". Jane's skull is nearly identical to the skull of the original "Nanotyrannus" specimen, confirming that they belong to the same species. A conference was held at the Burpee museum in 2005, during which paleontologists debated whether these "pygmy tyrants" represented adult specimens of a small species, or juvenile specimens of "Tyrannosaurus rex". While there were a few dissenters,Larson (2005). "A case for "Nanotyrannus"." In "The origin, systematics, and paleobiology of Tyrannosauridae”, a symposium hosted jointly by Burpee Museum of Natural History and Northern Illinois University.] a majority of paleontologists at the conference decided on the latter, and that both Jane and "Nanotyrannus" were juvenile "T. rex".Currie, Henderson, Horner and Williams (2005). "On tyrannosaur teeth, tooth positions and the taxonomic status of "Nanotyrannus lancensis"." In "The origin, systematics, and paleobiology of Tyrannosauridae”, a symposium hosted jointly by Burpee Museum of Natural History and Northern Illinois University.] Henderson (2005). "Nano No More: The death of the pygmy tyrant." In "The origin, systematics, and paleobiology of Tyrannosauridae”, a symposium hosted jointly by Burpee Museum of Natural History and Northern Illinois University.] However, the Jane material has yet to be properly studied and described by scientists. This research is currently being undertaken by Robert T. Bakker, Peter Larson, and Phil Currie, and should help settle the question once it is officially published. [http://home.comcast.net/~eoraptor/Tyrannosauroidea.html#Tyrannosaurusrex]

ee also

*Specimens of Tyrannosaurus

References

External links

* [http://www.niu.edu/PubAffairs/RELEASES/2005/sept/dinosympsm.shtml Northern Illinois University news release, September 7, 2005]
* [http://science.discovery.com/tvlistings/episode.jsp?episode=0&cpi=115555&gid=0&channel=SCI History Channel "The Mystery Dinosaur"]
* [http://www.fossilmuseum.net/DinosaurFossils/Tyrannosaurus-rex/Tyrannosaurus-rex.htm Fossil Museum Website]
* [http://www.rescast.com/specimens/show_specimen.php?SpecimenID=67 Research Casting International Jane Cast]