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It has been suggested that Daspletosaurus is a direct ancestor to Tyrannosaurus. The massive, stocky build of the two tyrannosaurids and certain similarities in skull structures seem to be indicators of a close phylogenic relationship between the two genera. Some have even gone further to suggest that Daspletosaurus is actually a species of Tyrannosaurus (Daspletosaurus torosus = Tyrannosaurus torosus), but this has not been universally accepted.
Currently, one species of Daspletosaurus, D. torosus, has been officially recognized. However, a recent Tyrannosaur find in Montana is thought to be that of a new (still un-named) Daspletosaur species. The skull of this find seems to indicate a more " Tyrannosaurus-like" animal than D. torosus, possibly indicating a intermediate form between D. torosus and T. rex.
Weight 4 US Tons (3.6 Tonnes)
Length 28 feet (8.5 metres)
Found Alberta, Canada; Montana, USA
Period Late Cretaceous
Family tyrannosaurids
Dinosaurs