Serrated, 1.38" Tyrannosaur (Nanotyrannus) Tooth - South Dakota

This is a serrated, 1.38" long Tyrannosaur tooth likely of the species Nanotyrannus lancensis from the Hell Creek Formation of South Dakota. This tooth is in good condition as far as the enamel is concerned, though there are two repaired cracks on the distal end of the tooth, with some crack stabilization proximal to the root. There is feeding wear at the tip of the tooth, as well as along some of the serrations. The serrations are still present, however there is some chipping at the points of breakage.

There is a hot debate among paleontologists about whether Nanotyrannus and Tyrannosaurus rex (T-Rex) are really the same species, with Nanotyrannus representing juveniles. Recent finds that are soon to be published should put this debate to rest, definitively proving that Nanotyrannus is in fact a separate genus and valid genus. Nano teeth tend to be much more finely serrated, and much thinner/blade like t-rex teeth, in addition to being smaller.