1.2" Nanotyrannus Tyrannosaurus Fossil Tooth Dinosaur Lance Creek WY COA Display
Location: Lance Creek Formation, Weston County, Wyoming (Private Land Origin)
Weight: 0.4 Ounces
Dimensions: 1.2 Inches Long, 0.6 Inches Wide, 0.3 Inches Thick
Comes with a Certificate of Authenticity.
Comes with a free display.
The item pictured is the one you will receive.
This is a genuine fossil.
Late Cretaceous, 67 Million Years Old
Name: Nanotryannus
Type: Carnivore
Size: 5 meters in length.
Nanotyrannus, meaning “dwarf tyrant,” is a controversial genus within tyrannosaurid dinosaurs that lived during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 72.1 to 66 million years ago. Many paleontologists consider Nanotyrannus to represent a juvenile Tyrannosaurus rex, although its smaller size and distinct anatomical features have sparked ongoing debate. Fossil evidence primarily comes from a small skull that exhibits unique differences from adult T. rex, most notably higher tooth counts—14–15 teeth per side in the maxilla and 16 per side in the lower jaw—compared to T. rex’s typical 11–12 and 11–14 teeth. Additionally, partially fused cranial bones further differentiate Nanotyrannus from its adult counterpart.
Despite its smaller size, Nanotyrannus was likely a highly capable predator. Evidence suggests that these theropods may have hunted in pairs or packs, enabling them to target sizeable herbivorous dinosaurs such as ceratopsians and hadrosaurs. Their sharp, serrated teeth and agile builds allowed for precision hunting, while their strong jaws and cranial adaptations ensured effective bites. Fossilized remains and comparative anatomy indicate that Nanotyrannus possessed both the speed and dexterity necessary to capture prey in diverse Late Cretaceous ecosystems.
Studying Nanotyrannus provides significant insight into juvenile tyrannosaurid development, growth patterns, and predatory behavior. By analyzing differences in skull structure, tooth count, and bone fusion, paleontologists gain a better understanding of how young T. rex transitioned into fully grown apex predators. Nanotyrannus also highlights the evolutionary adaptations that allowed tyrannosaurids to thrive in competitive environments, balancing predation, scavenging, and social behavior.
Nanotyrannus continues to captivate paleontologists, fossil collectors, and dinosaur enthusiasts alike. Its fossils reveal critical information about the life stages, hunting strategies, and ecological roles of juvenile tyrannosaurids in Late Cretaceous North America. Whether classified as a distinct genus or recognized as a juvenile T. rex, Nanotyrannus remains an essential subject for understanding the diversity, anatomy, and behavior of one of the most iconic families of prehistoric predators.
