Jordan, The specific name "torosus" would be Latin for muscular or brawny, which would make sense for such a dinosaur. I have a vague feeling that it may be related to the word "taurus" (Latin for bull----another muscular, brawny animal), but don't know enough about Latin to know that for sure. In any case, Daspletosaurus torosus would mean the muscular (or brawny) "frightful lizard". A pretty good name for a good sized tyrannosaurid that doesn't quite measure up to "rex" (the king). -----Cheers, Ken ********************************************************
From: "Jordan Mallon" <j_mallon@hotmail.com> Reply-To: j_mallon@hotmail.com To: dinosaur@usc.edu Subject: _Daspletosaurus torosus_ etymology? Date: Sat, 30 Jun 2001 22:31:37 -0400
Quick question...
Does anyone know the etymology of the specific name of _Daspletosaurus torosus_? I know the generic name means "frightful lizard," but I'm at a loss in trying to find the meaning of the specific name. Thanks in advance.
-Jordan Mallon
http://www.geocities.com/paleoportfolio/
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