Nanuqsaurus hoglundi is a species of theropod dinosaur that lived during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 70 million years ago. It was discovered in the Prince Creek Formation in Alaska, United States.
Nanuqsaurus belongs to the tyrannosaurid family, which includes the famous Tyrannosaurus rex. Unlike its giant relative, however, Nanuqsaurus was much smaller. It is estimated to have been around 6 meters in length and weighed around 1,000 kilograms, making it one of the smallest known tyrannosaurids.
The most notable feature of Nanuqsaurus is its skull, which is proportionally longer and thinner compared to other tyrannosaurids. This has led paleontologists to suggest that Nanuqsaurus may have been a specialized predator on smaller prey. Although its size was considerably smaller than that of Tyrannosaurus rex, its body structure and sharp teeth suggest that it was an efficient predator.
Due to the paucity of fossils found so far, the exact details of Nanuqsaurus anatomy and behavior are still being researched and debated. However, their discovery has provided valuable information on the diversity and evolution of tyrannosaurids during the Late Cretaceous in the Arctic.
The name "Nanuqsaurus" comes from the Inupiaq word "nanuq", which means "polar bear", referencing the fact that it was discovered in Alaska, a place known for its population of polar bears. The specific epithet "hoglundi" honors geologist Robert Hoglund, who has contributed significantly to the knowledge of Alaskan geology and supported paleontological research in the region.
Approximate measurements of the Nanuqsaurus
- 1:72 scale - 87 mm long
- 1:35 scale - 180 mm long
