Age of the World's Legendary Tyrannosaurus Rex, Rexy

Age of the World's Legendary Tyrannosaurus Rex, Rexy - A Closer Look at Her Age

In the world of paleontology, Sue, a Tyrannosaurus rex fossil, has long been a source of fascination and study. Discovered in 1990 by Sue Hendrickson on the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation in South Dakota, this remarkable specimen, now known as FMNH PR2081, has provided invaluable insights into the anatomy, physiology, and life history of Tyrannosaurus rex.

After a complex legal battle, Sue found her permanent home in 1997, sold at auction to the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago for $8.36 million. Since then, research on Sue continues to this day, with scientists constantly using new technologies and techniques to analyze her fossil and uncover new insights.

One of the key questions that scientists have sought to answer is Sue's age at the time of her death. Paleohistological analysis of her bone structure provided clues about her growth rate and maturity level, suggesting she was approaching, but had not yet reached, full skeletal maturity. Using a technique called paleohistology, the age of Rexy (Sue's nickname) was primarily determined, revealing that she was approximately 28 years old at the time of her death.

Twenty-eight years is considered old for a Tyrannosaurus rex, as they likely had relatively short lifespans compared to mammals of similar size. Knowing Rexy's age provides valuable insights into the life history of Tyrannosaurus rex, helping us understand their growth rate, lifespan, and how they changed throughout their lives.

Sue lived during the Late Cretaceous period, a time of great environmental change, and was one of the apex predators. Access to food, injuries, disease, and genetics likely influenced Rexy's growth and lifespan. The study of Rexy's age contributes significantly to broader paleontological research by providing a benchmark for understanding the life histories of other dinosaurs and reconstructing ancient ecosystems.

Despite not being the oldest Tyrannosaurus Rex fossil ever found, Rexy remains one of the most complete and informative specimens due to the extensive research conducted on her remains. As we continue to learn from Sue, she serves as a testament to the enduring curiosity and passion for uncovering the mysteries of our prehistoric past.