How Big Was the Largest Tyrannosaurus Rex Ever Discovered?

The Tyrannosaurus rex was arguably the most terrifying creature to ever roam the Earth, but what's even scarier is how big the brute could get. For many years, a T. rex skeleton known as Sue held sway in the size department, getting a listing as largest in Guinness World Records, but recently an upstart named Scotty has stirred things up. Although the skeletons were found only a year apart -- Sue in 1990 and Scotty in 1991 -- it wasn't until recently that Scotty's true dimensions could be determined. While Sue's bones were easily assembled and comprised 90 percent of her bulk, Scotty's remains were buried in sandstone, requiring extensive work to remove. And even now, only 65 percent of Scotty's whole body has been put back together. Still, researchers now estimate that Scotty stretched 42 feet, 7 inches (13 m) in length and weighed approximately 19,555 pounds (8,870 kg). Those numbers mean that Scotty was slightly longer than Sue, and 900 pounds (410 kg) heavier. But Sue hasn't lost her title yet. According to Guinness World Records, since Scotty's true size is hard to determine, the two will share the title of largest T. rex ever discovered.

Facts about the T. rex:

• The bite of the T. rex was the strongest of any animal that has ever lived, with a single tooth capable of generating 12,800 pounds (5,806 kg) of force.
• The T. rex wasn't the biggest dinosaur, but its brain was twice the size of the brains of other giant carnivores.
• The skeleton of Sue the T. rex sold for $8.3 million USD in 1997, making her the most expensive dinosaur ever.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the size of the largest Tyrannosaurus rex ever discovered?

The largest Tyrannosaurus rex specimen discovered to date is known as Scotty. According to measurements, Scotty was about 40 feet long and weighed an estimated 19,500 pounds. This massive dinosaur roamed what is now western North America around 66 million years ago, during the late Cretaceous period.

How does Scotty compare to other T. rex specimens in terms of size?

Scotty is considered the largest T. rex specimen by weight, surpassing Sue, the famous T. rex at the Field Museum in Chicago. While Sue's skeleton is more complete, Scotty's robust bones suggest a heavier build. The discovery of Scotty has provided valuable insights into the potential maximum size of T. rex individuals.

Where was the largest T. rex fossil found, and who discovered it?

The fossil remains of Scotty were unearthed in the province of Saskatchewan, Canada. The discovery was made by a team of paleontologists led by Tim Tokaryk in 1991. However, it wasn't until decades later that the true size of Scotty was realized after thorough studies and reconstructions of the skeleton.

What do we know about the life of the largest T. rex based on its fossils?

Analysis of Scotty's bones has revealed a life marked by hardship and injury. The numerous scars and healed fractures suggest that Scotty lived a long and combative life. This T. rex reached an estimated age of 30 years, which is considered quite old for a dinosaur, indicating a successful survival despite its challenges.

How complete is the fossil record of the largest T. rex, and what does it tell us?

The fossil record of Scotty is not entirely complete, but it is substantial enough to provide a wealth of information. The robust nature of the bones and the healed injuries tell a story of resilience and survival in a harsh Cretaceous environment. These findings help paleontologists understand growth patterns and the upper limits of T. rex size.

Has the discovery of the largest T. rex changed our understanding of the species?

Yes, the discovery of Scotty has significantly contributed to our understanding of the Tyrannosaurus rex. It has challenged previous assumptions about the maximum size these predators could reach and has provided a clearer picture of the variation within the species. It also offers a glimpse into the life history and physical capabilities of these iconic dinosaurs.