# Tyrannosaurus rex: everyone's favorite dinosaur, right? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [June 29, 2010, 3:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tyrannosaurus-rex-everyones-favorite-dinosaur-right/544938 "2010-06-29T15:28:02Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 8
**Author:** ![Half\_Man\_Half\_Wit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/half_man_half_wit/32/21766_2.png) [@Half\_Man\_Half\_Wit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Half_Man_Half_Wit)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2017, 2:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tyrannosaurus-rex-everyones-favorite-dinosaur-right/544938/141 "2017-04-28T14:45:59Z")
I used to be a firm sauropod fan (the bigger, the better), but then I learned of Stygimoloch. That’s right, that’s it’s name, it’s got the river styx in it, and the Babylonian god Moloch, and its skull looks like [this](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stygimoloch#/media/File:Berlin_Naturkundemuseum_Dino_Schaedel.jpg)—yep, you’re seeing that right, it’s a _goddamn dragon_. Later on, I learned that both Stygimoloch and what used to be thought to be a close relative, Dracorex Hogwartsia—yes, again, they went there and called him ‘dragon-king of Hogwarts’, because well, he looks like [this](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dracorex#/media/File:The_Childrens_Museum_of_Indianapolis_-_Dracorex_skeletal_reconstruction.jpg)—are probably just juvenile forms of Pachycephalosaurus. Boo! But, lest all you Triceratops fans start gloating, it’s been proposed that similarly, Triceratops is just a juvenile form of Torosaurus—however, they’re probably just going to relabel all Torosaurs as Triceratopses. On the other hand, for all those jilted Brontosaur-lovers out there—move over Apatosaurus, the [Bronto’s back](https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-brontosaurus-is-back1/)! ---
**Author:** ![blondebear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/blondebear/32/1022_2.png) [@blondebear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blondebear)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2017, 3:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tyrannosaurus-rex-everyones-favorite-dinosaur-right/544938/142 "2017-04-28T15:00:36Z")
If you’re a triceratops fan, I highly recommend a visit to Utah’s Natural History Museum in Salt Lake City. They have a really nice [display wall](http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9nZggzPUs1k/T628aUD0IeI/AAAAAAAAoAM/PQH_SRi2pvs/s1600/DSC_0021+copy.JPG) of triceratops skulls illustrating their family tree. ---
**Author:** ![outlierrn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/outlierrn/32/3005_2.png) [@outlierrn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/outlierrn)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2017, 10:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tyrannosaurus-rex-everyones-favorite-dinosaur-right/544938/143 "2017-04-28T22:56:32Z")
One of the great things about being a T-rex is that you just don’t give a fuck what hairbags think. ---
**Author:** ![Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bosda_di_chi_of_tricor/32/16845_2.png) [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosda_Di_Chi_of_Tricor)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2017, 11:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tyrannosaurus-rex-everyones-favorite-dinosaur-right/544938/144 "2017-04-28T23:59:54Z")
Ankylosaurus is my favorite. 🆒 ---
**Author:** ![Fretful\_Porpentine](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fretful_porpentine/32/2873_2.png) [@Fretful\_Porpentine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fretful_Porpentine)\ **Post date:** [April 29, 2017, 2:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tyrannosaurus-rex-everyones-favorite-dinosaur-right/544938/145 "2017-04-29T02:17:17Z")
[Styracosaurus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Styracosaurus#/media/File:Styracosaurus_dinosaur.png) is clearly the best dinosaur, as it has the most spikes. ---
**Author:** ![outlierrn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/outlierrn/32/3005_2.png) [@outlierrn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/outlierrn)\ **Post date:** [April 29, 2017, 5:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tyrannosaurus-rex-everyones-favorite-dinosaur-right/544938/146 "2017-04-29T05:35:48Z")
Apparently, thagomizer has become a more or less legit term, hoopy! ---
**Author:** ![Baker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/bb73d2/32.png) [@Baker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baker)\ **Post date:** [April 29, 2017, 4:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tyrannosaurus-rex-everyones-favorite-dinosaur-right/544938/147 "2017-04-29T16:09:03Z")
I’ve seen Sue. Very impressive. I’d hate to have met that creature when alive. I probably would have been eaten shortly thereafter. ---
**Author:** ![N9IWP](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/n9iwp/32/3154_2.png) [@N9IWP](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/N9IWP)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2017, 5:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tyrannosaurus-rex-everyones-favorite-dinosaur-right/544938/148 "2017-05-10T17:50:11Z")
Anybody for _Zuul crurivastator_? (“crusher of shins”) > **[Rare dinosaur with preserved skin and bone-crushing tail found in Montana](https://arstechnica.com/science/2017/05/rare-dinosaur-with-preserved-skin-and-bone-crushing-tail-found-in-montana/)** > > Named after Zuul from Ghostbusters, this ankylosaurid grew spines from its flesh. (I love the zamboni size comparison) Brian ---
**Author:** ![Weisshund](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/ba8739/32.png) [@Weisshund](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Weisshund)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2017, 7:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tyrannosaurus-rex-everyones-favorite-dinosaur-right/544938/149 "2017-05-10T19:50:57Z")
I liked T-Rex, but just him by himself kind of lacked cool factor for me. There had to be that bigger picture that he was part of. He had to have his arch nemesis Triceratops, and you had to have the ultra gigantic, untouchable sauropods because every mystical world has to have some unswayable force of nature. And who could not love Iguanodon? I mean look, it’s designed from birth to give the original Thumbs Up. And what would a morning be with out seeing Rhamphorhynchus or Dimorphodon flying by the yard? Although if Quetzalcoatlus flies over the yard, i might be prompted to run inside. Or yell Toruk Makto, if i am feeling rather avatarish? ---
**Author:** ![Weisshund](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/ba8739/32.png) [@Weisshund](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Weisshund)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2017, 9:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tyrannosaurus-rex-everyones-favorite-dinosaur-right/544938/150 "2017-05-10T21:01:20Z")
> [@Guinastasia](#): > > Plus, you forget that T-Rex had those wimpy little arms. Little yes, Wimpy no. Strong enough to pull your spine out your buttocks ---
**Author:** ![Tranquilis](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tranquilis/32/3639_2.png) [@Tranquilis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tranquilis)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2017, 9:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tyrannosaurus-rex-everyones-favorite-dinosaur-right/544938/151 "2017-05-10T21:11:40Z")
> [@N9IWP](#): > > Anybody for _Zuul crurivastator_? (“crusher of shins”) > [Rare dinosaur with preserved skin and bone-crushing tail found in Montana | Ars Technica](https://arstechnica.com/science/2017/05/rare-dinosaur-with-preserved-skin-and-bone-crushing-tail-found-in-montana/) > > (I love the zamboni size comparison) > > Brian I also loved ankylosaurs; again, a whole lotta “_fuck you!_” in that tail. Victoria Arbour _really_ gets a kick out her subject - A geek’s geek. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Ulf\_the\_Unwashed](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/b4bc9f/32.png) [@Ulf\_the\_Unwashed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ulf_the_Unwashed)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2017, 11:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tyrannosaurus-rex-everyones-favorite-dinosaur-right/544938/152 "2017-05-10T23:25:58Z")
I dunno, as a boy I always preferred stegosaurus and triceratops. ---
**Author:** ![Weisshund](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/ba8739/32.png) [@Weisshund](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Weisshund)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2017, 11:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tyrannosaurus-rex-everyones-favorite-dinosaur-right/544938/153 "2017-05-10T23:29:37Z")
> [@Half\_Man\_Half\_Wit](#): > > On the other hand, for all those jilted Brontosaur-lovers out there—move over Apatosaurus, the [Bronto’s back](https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-brontosaurus-is-back1/)! _cough_ Seismosaurus _cough_ _mumble mumble_ 120’ 50ton _mumble mumble_ ---
**Author:** ![Weisshund](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/ba8739/32.png) [@Weisshund](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Weisshund)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2017, 11:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tyrannosaurus-rex-everyones-favorite-dinosaur-right/544938/154 "2017-05-10T23:30:59Z")
> [@Tranquilis](#): > > I also loved ankylosaurs Imagine Anky with Epilepsy (just imagine from safe distance) ---
**Author:** ![burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/burpo_the_wonder_mutt/32/365_2.png) [@burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/burpo_the_wonder_mutt)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2017, 2:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tyrannosaurus-rex-everyones-favorite-dinosaur-right/544938/155 "2017-05-11T02:45:40Z")
Well, according to that revered dinosaur documentary, “The Lost World: Jurassic Park,” a T-Rex can drink a whole chlorinated swimming pool then eat a medium sized dog with no ill effects. Then floss with the chain. ---
**Author:** ![kopek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kopek/32/337_2.png) [@kopek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kopek)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2017, 2:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tyrannosaurus-rex-everyones-favorite-dinosaur-right/544938/156 "2017-05-11T02:47:06Z")
> [@Mekhazzio](#): > > Sorry, flight trumps all else. Pterries have to win the prehistoric reptile contest. Next best thing to a dragon 😃 All these years later ----- gotta go with this. ---
**Author:** ![Tranquilis](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tranquilis/32/3639_2.png) [@Tranquilis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tranquilis)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2017, 4:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tyrannosaurus-rex-everyones-favorite-dinosaur-right/544938/157 "2017-05-11T16:30:12Z")
> [@burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](#): > > Well, according to that revered dinosaur documentary, “The Lost World: Jurassic Park,” a T-Rex can drink a whole chlorinated swimming pool then eat a medium sized dog with no ill effects. Then floss with the chain. But can they belch nuclear plasma? ---
**Author:** ![burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/burpo_the_wonder_mutt/32/365_2.png) [@burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/burpo_the_wonder_mutt)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2017, 5:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tyrannosaurus-rex-everyones-favorite-dinosaur-right/544938/158 "2017-05-11T17:05:45Z")
> [@Tranquilis](#): > > But can they belch nuclear plasma? Hey, Spielberg said not to disclose that. You want a lawsuit on your hands? You know what he’s like! 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Sailboat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sailboat/32/461_2.png) [@Sailboat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sailboat)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2017, 4:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tyrannosaurus-rex-everyones-favorite-dinosaur-right/544938/159 "2017-05-12T16:38:46Z")
> [@Darwins\_Finch](#): > > Generally speaking, ankylosaurs come in three flavors: nodosaurids, polocanthids, and ankylosaurids. _Ankylosaurus_, of course, was one of the later - a group known for heavy armor, but no spikes. Polocanthids, such as [_Gastonia_](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gastonia_%28dinosaur%29), were the really spiky guys. Many older restorations which show _Ankylosaurus_ with spikes were based on incomplete specimens and assumptions about how closely related they were to the actually-spiky guys. It appears to me that the _Zuul crurivastator_ images we’ve seen links to recently do appear to have both spikes and a tail club. ---
**Author:** ![Tranquilis](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tranquilis/32/3639_2.png) [@Tranquilis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tranquilis)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2017, 4:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tyrannosaurus-rex-everyones-favorite-dinosaur-right/544938/160 "2017-05-12T16:41:36Z")
> [@Sailboat](#): > > It appears to me that the _Zuul crurivastator_ images we’ve seen links to recently do appear to have both spikes and a tail club. And dermal armor where the spikes weren’t. “Shin-Crusher” is one of the most awesome names ever. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tyrannosaurus-rex-everyones-favorite-dinosaur-right/544938.md?page=7) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tyrannosaurus-rex-everyones-favorite-dinosaur-right/544938.md?page=9)