Title: Speaking of tyrannosaurs...
Description: A toughie
Camarasaurus - September 11, 2005 02:33 AM (GMT)
Though about this while working on some of our Judith River stuff today:
Can you tell the difference between shed Daspletosaurus, Albertosaurus, and Gorgosaurus teeth?
And if so, how?
fossildude - September 11, 2005 07:37 PM (GMT)
You might try asking Phil Currie. He is able to differentiate theropod teeth based on the number and shape of the serrations ("denticulations"). I think the anterior serrations are more diagnostic but you'd be better off asking Phil.
There is a paper in Dinosaur Systematics: Approaches and Perspectives (1990) Ed. by Carpenter and Currie called Theropod teeth from the Judith River Formation of southern Alberta, Canada written by Currie, Kieth Rigby, and Robert Sloan that addresses this very topic. It doesn't really get into specifics between different tyrannosaurid teeth but it might be a good place to start.
Camarasaurus - September 11, 2005 08:11 PM (GMT)
Thanks for the reference. Hopefully the serrations are intact enough to make a call.
And while we're on the subject, what do you all think of "Aublysodon". We have 5-6 unserrated theropod premaxillary teeth from one of our sites. From my reading, it seems that this genus is iffy at best.
Mallon - September 13, 2005 05:48 PM (GMT)
Well, they may be distinguishable based on a number of factors:
1) Geologic horizon
2) Serration density
3) Enamel microstructure
More to come on this soon.
Camarasaurus - September 15, 2005 03:27 AM (GMT)
I'll try to get a photo up ASAP. My camera unfortunately has been damaged in expedition 1 of this field season.