Tyrannosaurus

“Because of its proportions and maximum size, its probable that it doesn't represent the typical tyrannosaurid (much less other tyrannosauroids), despite having been the object of the majority of studies and analyses, not just on its skeleton, but on its growth rate, its physiology, its ecology, and its spatio-temporal range.”

“Tyrannosaurus is universally known by its full specific name, Tyrannosaurus rex, a fact which elevates it above the anonymous generic labelling of other fossil species, which are almost all known only by their generic names without mention of their species. Does anyone ever talk about Velociraptor mongoliensis? No, there is only "the velociraptor" (or, worse still, "raptor").”

“We have as much evidence that T. rex was feathered, at least during some stage of its life, as we do that australopithecines like Lucy had hair.”

“Tyrannosaurus rex did not have 6-to-8-inch serrated teeth and an arc of D-cross-sectioned teeth set in a massive, powerful skull just to consume rotting carcasses! These were killing tools. In sharp contrast are the weak beaks and feet of vultures and condors- the only true living scavengers.”

“This is the theropod. Indeed, excepting perhaps Brontosaurus, this is the public's favourite dinosaur, having fought King Kong for the forced favor of Fay Wray and smashed Tokyo (with inferior special effects) in the guise of Godzilla.”

“The culmination of tyrannosaur evolution, T. rex was one of the very last North American dinosaurs. Nothing else combined its size, speed, and power. Since its demise we have had to make do with lions and tigers and bears, and other "little" mammalian carnivores.”

“Of all the organisms scientists have found in the fossil record, Tyrannosaurus rex is the most prominent ambassador for paleontology. No dinosaur hall is complete without at least some fragment of the tyrant dinosaur, and almost anything about the dinosaur is sure to get press coverage. We simply can't get enough of old T. rex.”

“I would be thrilled if palaeontologists discovered compelling evidence that tyrannosaurs were social hunters. A trackway preserving the footsteps of several individuals moving in the same direction at the same time would be excellent. But until then, tableaus of tyrannosaur families dining together must remain tantalisingly speculative parts of prehistory.”