特暴(bao)(bao)(bao)龍(long)(long)(long)是(shi)發現(xian)于亞洲地區的(de)大型(xing)(xing)暴(bao)(bao)(bao)龍(long)(long)(long)類,在(zai)(zai)(zai)外形上與北美洲的(de)霸(ba)王龍(long)(long)(long)非常相似,是(shi)當(dang)時生態系統中(zhong)(zhong)的(de)頂級(ji)捕食者。特暴(bao)(bao)(bao)龍(long)(long)(long)的(de)體(ti)型(xing)(xing)比霸(ba)王龍(long)(long)(long)和諸城暴(bao)(bao)(bao)龍(long)(long)(long)略(lve)小,但明(ming)(ming)顯大于其(qi)它(ta)的(de)暴(bao)(bao)(bao)龍(long)(long)(long)類,其(qi)頭骨的(de)最大長度可達1.3米(mi)。特暴(bao)(bao)(bao)龍(long)(long)(long)的(de)化石主要發現(xian)于蒙古,但是(shi)也有一些(xie)證據(ju)表明(ming)(ming)這種(zhong)(zhong)巨型(xing)(xing)掠食者在(zai)(zai)(zai)中(zhong)(zhong)國(guo)的(de)內蒙古以(yi)及新疆等(deng)地區都(dou)有分(fen)布(bu)。如(ru)同它(ta)在(zai)(zai)(zai)北美洲的(de)近親一樣(yang),特暴(bao)(bao)(bao)龍(long)(long)(long)的(de)標(biao)本量也非常巨大。截止(zhi)到(dao)目(mu)前為止(zhi),古生物學家(jia)至少已經找到(dao)了約30個特暴(bao)(bao)(bao)龍(long)(long)(long)個體(ti)的(de)標(biao)本,這其(qi)中(zhong)(zhong)不(bu)(bu)乏(fa)保存精美的(de)頭骨化石。在(zai)(zai)(zai)亞洲恐龍(long)(long)(long)古生物學發展(zhan)的(de)早期階段,特暴(bao)(bao)(bao)龍(long)(long)(long)不(bu)(bu)同發育階段的(de)個體(ti)曾經被當(dang)成過(guo)不(bu)(bu)同的(de)物種(zhong)(zhong),不(bu)(bu)過(guo)在(zai)(zai)(zai)近期的(de)研究中(zhong)(zhong)這些(xie)錯誤都(dou)被一一糾正(zheng)。
特(te)暴(bao)龍(long)(long)的屬名(ming)(ming)(ming)意為“可(ke)怕的蜥蜴”,種(zhong)名(ming)(ming)(ming)意為“勇(yong)(yong)士”。特(te)暴(bao)龍(long)(long)的正型標(biao)(biao)本(ben)最(zui)初(chu)并沒(mei)有(you)被(bei)歸入(ru)(ru)到(dao)特(te)暴(bao)龍(long)(long)屬,而是被(bei)歸入(ru)(ru)到(dao)暴(bao)龍(long)(long)屬,并命名(ming)(ming)(ming)為“Tyrannosaurus bataar”,另外三個(ge)早期的歸入(ru)(ru)標(biao)(biao)本(ben)中有(you)兩個(ge)被(bei)歸入(ru)(ru)了蛇發(fa)女怪龍(long)(long)屬。直(zhi)到(dao)1965年蘇聯古生物(wu)學家阿納托利·康斯坦丁諾維(wei)奇(qi)·羅特(te)杰斯特(te)文斯基才(cai)發(fa)現馬列夫命名(ming)(ming)(ming)的這4件標(biao)(biao)本(ben)是同一物(wu)種(zhong)不同發(fa)育階段(duan)的個(ge)體,隨后(hou)它們才(cai)被(bei)并入(ru)(ru)勇(yong)(yong)士特(te)暴(bao)龍(long)(long)。
正型標(biao)本:PIN 551-1保(bao)存了一部(bu)分(fen)頭骨和頸椎。最早(zao)被歸入(ru)暴(bao)龍屬,后歸入(ru)特暴(bao)龍屬。
此外蘭平暴龍(long)(long)(long)(Tyrannosaurus lanpingensis),吐魯番暴龍(long)(long)(long)(Tyrannosaurus turpanensis),Albertosaurus periculosus目前都被認為是(shi)(shi)屬于(yu)勇(yong)士特(te)(te)暴龍(long)(long)(long)的(de)不同個體(ti)發育階(jie)段。除此之外,在蒙古發現的(de)分(fen)支(zhi)龍(long)(long)(long)曾經(jing)也被懷疑過(guo)是(shi)(shi)特(te)(te)暴龍(long)(long)(long)的(de)幼(you)年個體(ti),不過(guo)近年來由于(yu)虔州龍(long)(long)(long)的(de)發現,分(fen)支(zhi)龍(long)(long)(long)類的(de)有效性已經(jing)被學術界所接受。
特(te)(te)暴(bao)(bao)(bao)龍(long)(long)的(de)(de)(de)頭(tou)(tou)(tou)骨(gu)(gu)側(ce)視與霸王(wang)龍(long)(long)非常相(xiang)似。兩者(zhe)都具有(you)(you)背腹(fu)向(xiang)加深的(de)(de)(de)頭(tou)(tou)(tou)骨(gu)(gu),且(qie)具有(you)(you)粗(cu)壯的(de)(de)(de)下(xia)頜(he)。從背視可以看(kan)出兩種(zhong)恐龍(long)(long)的(de)(de)(de)頭(tou)(tou)(tou)骨(gu)(gu)整(zheng)體輪廓(kuo)的(de)(de)(de)差(cha)異,霸王(wang)龍(long)(long)的(de)(de)(de)后(hou)端向(xiang)外側(ce)極度(du)的(de)(de)(de)擴展,使得雙眼視覺(jue)范圍具有(you)(you)較(jiao)大的(de)(de)(de)重(zhong)疊。雖然特(te)(te)暴(bao)(bao)(bao)龍(long)(long)的(de)(de)(de)頭(tou)(tou)(tou)骨(gu)(gu)后(hou)端也有(you)(you)一定程(cheng)度(du)的(de)(de)(de)向(xiang)外擴展,但是與霸王(wang)龍(long)(long)有(you)(you)較(jiao)大的(de)(de)(de)差(cha)距。同時(shi)特(te)(te)暴(bao)(bao)(bao)龍(long)(long)的(de)(de)(de)吻端明(ming)顯(xian)比霸王(wang)龍(long)(long)更窄。霸王(wang)龍(long)(long)的(de)(de)(de)前頜(he)骨(gu)(gu)和上頜(he)骨(gu)(gu)相(xiang)接的(de)(de)(de)骨(gu)(gu)縫上有(you)(you)一個明(ming)顯(xian)的(de)(de)(de)開孔(kong)暴(bao)(bao)(bao)露在頭(tou)(tou)(tou)骨(gu)(gu)的(de)(de)(de)外側(ce)面(mian)(mian),而這(zhe)一開孔(kong)在特(te)(te)暴(bao)(bao)(bao)龍(long)(long)頭(tou)(tou)(tou)骨(gu)(gu)的(de)(de)(de)外側(ce)面(mian)(mian)幾乎沒有(you)(you)。
特(te)暴龍(long)的(de)(de)上(shang)(shang)頜(he)(he)骨(gu)升突(tu)粗狀(zhuang)發達,霸(ba)王(wang)龍(long)的(de)(de)較為纖細。兩種恐龍(long)的(de)(de)鼻(bi)(bi)骨(gu)腹外側緣都具(ju)有與上(shang)(shang)頜(he)(he)骨(gu)相關(guan)節(jie)的(de)(de)溝,并幾乎前(qian)后向延伸至鼻(bi)(bi)骨(gu)的(de)(de)整個長度。但特(te)暴龍(long)的(de)(de)關(guan)節(jie)面具(ju)有很多脊,使鼻(bi)(bi)骨(gu)與上(shang)(shang)頜(he)(he)骨(gu)的(de)(de)關(guan)節(jie)更緊密,而(er)霸(ba)王(wang)龍(long)的(de)(de)鼻(bi)(bi)骨(gu)上(shang)(shang)頜(he)(he)骨(gu)關(guan)節(jie)更簡單(dan)。相反(fan)的(de)(de)是,霸(ba)王(wang)龍(long)的(de)(de)鼻(bi)(bi)骨(gu)與淚骨(gu)的(de)(de)關(guan)節(jie)十分(fen)復雜且非常(chang)緊密,而(er)特(te)暴龍(long)的(de)(de)鼻(bi)(bi)骨(gu)與淚骨(gu)的(de)(de)關(guan)節(jie)則較為簡單(dan)。此外,霸(ba)王(wang)龍(long)的(de)(de)鼻(bi)(bi)骨(gu)比特(te)暴龍(long)的(de)(de)更加寬大(da)。
霸王(wang)(wang)龍(long)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)淚(lei)骨(gu)(gu)(gu)背緣較特暴(bao)龍(long)有(you)(you)更明(ming)顯的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)膨大。特暴(bao)龍(long)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)淚(lei)骨(gu)(gu)(gu)降支(zhi)較為(wei)中(zhong)空,而霸王(wang)(wang)龍(long)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)淚(lei)骨(gu)(gu)(gu)降支(zhi)幾乎是實心的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)。特暴(bao)龍(long)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)淚(lei)骨(gu)(gu)(gu)前(qian)(qian)(qian)(qian)突(tu)與霸王(wang)(wang)龍(long)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)相(xiang)比更為(wei)細長,且前(qian)(qian)(qian)(qian)突(tu)關節(jie)面沒有(you)(you)分支(zhi)。霸王(wang)(wang)龍(long)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)淚(lei)骨(gu)(gu)(gu)前(qian)(qian)(qian)(qian)突(tu)關節(jie)面具有(you)(you)明(ming)顯的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)分叉。淚(lei)骨(gu)(gu)(gu)前(qian)(qian)(qian)(qian)突(tu)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)內(nei)側面中(zhong)段具有(you)(you)一(yi)個容納血(xue)管的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)開孔,這(zhe)一(yi)開孔在(zai)霸王(wang)(wang)龍(long)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)淚(lei)骨(gu)(gu)(gu)上的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)位置更靠前(qian)(qian)(qian)(qian)。
鱗骨(gu)(gu)(gu)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)降支(zhi)與方顴(quan)(quan)(quan)(quan)骨(gu)(gu)(gu)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)上支(zhi)具(ju)有(you)很(hen)(hen)大(da)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)接(jie)觸面(mian)積(ji),與艾伯(bo)塔龍(long)(long)和蛇發女怪(guai)龍(long)(long)不同,而與霸(ba)(ba)(ba)(ba)王(wang)(wang)(wang)(wang)龍(long)(long)非(fei)常相(xiang)似。在(zai)腹側(ce)視,特(te)(te)(te)暴(bao)(bao)龍(long)(long)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)顴(quan)(quan)(quan)(quan)骨(gu)(gu)(gu)不如霸(ba)(ba)(ba)(ba)王(wang)(wang)(wang)(wang)龍(long)(long)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)那樣很(hen)(hen)明(ming)顯的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)外(wai)翻。特(te)(te)(te)暴(bao)(bao)龍(long)(long)和霸(ba)(ba)(ba)(ba)王(wang)(wang)(wang)(wang)龍(long)(long)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)顴(quan)(quan)(quan)(quan)骨(gu)(gu)(gu)升(sheng)突(tu)(tu)外(wai)側(ce)面(mian)都(dou)具(ju)有(you)一不甚明(ming)顯的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)凹(ao)陷(xian),但是霸(ba)(ba)(ba)(ba)王(wang)(wang)(wang)(wang)龍(long)(long)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)這(zhe)一凹(ao)陷(xian)明(ming)顯小(xiao)于特(te)(te)(te)暴(bao)(bao)龍(long)(long)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)。兩(liang)者的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)顴(quan)(quan)(quan)(quan)骨(gu)(gu)(gu)后(hou)突(tu)(tu)都(dou)具(ju)有(you)二分支(zhi)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)結構,區別在(zai)于特(te)(te)(te)暴(bao)(bao)龍(long)(long)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)顴(quan)(quan)(quan)(quan)骨(gu)(gu)(gu)后(hou)突(tu)(tu)腹側(ce)支(zhi)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)厚(hou)度不均勻,其腹緣較厚(hou),向背緣發展的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)過(guo)程(cheng)中逐漸變薄(bo),而霸(ba)(ba)(ba)(ba)王(wang)(wang)(wang)(wang)龍(long)(long)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)顴(quan)(quan)(quan)(quan)骨(gu)(gu)(gu)后(hou)突(tu)(tu)腹側(ce)支(zhi)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)厚(hou)度更為(wei)均一,且外(wai)側(ce)面(mian)更為(wei)明(ming)顯的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)隆起。特(te)(te)(te)暴(bao)(bao)龍(long)(long)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)方顴(quan)(quan)(quan)(quan)骨(gu)(gu)(gu)柄明(ming)顯比霸(ba)(ba)(ba)(ba)王(wang)(wang)(wang)(wang)龍(long)(long)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)更加纖弱。霸(ba)(ba)(ba)(ba)王(wang)(wang)(wang)(wang)龍(long)(long)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)方顴(quan)(quan)(quan)(quan)骨(gu)(gu)(gu)前(qian)突(tu)(tu)比特(te)(te)(te)暴(bao)(bao)龍(long)(long)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)更為(wei)寬大(da),能夠覆蓋(gai)住顴(quan)(quan)(quan)(quan)骨(gu)(gu)(gu)后(hou)突(tu)(tu)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)大(da)部分面(mian)積(ji),且內側(ce)面(mian)具(ju)有(you)一個很(hen)(hen)大(da)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)凹(ao)陷(xian)。特(te)(te)(te)暴(bao)(bao)龍(long)(long)顎骨(gu)(gu)(gu)上的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)內鼻孔邊緣發育的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)很(hen)(hen)明(ming)顯,而這(zhe)一特(te)(te)(te)征在(zai)霸(ba)(ba)(ba)(ba)王(wang)(wang)(wang)(wang)龍(long)(long)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)顎骨(gu)(gu)(gu)上相(xiang)對較弱。特(te)(te)(te)暴(bao)(bao)龍(long)(long)外(wai)翼骨(gu)(gu)(gu)上的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)氣孔比霸(ba)(ba)(ba)(ba)王(wang)(wang)(wang)(wang)龍(long)(long)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)更小(xiao)。
特(te)(te)(te)暴(bao)(bao)龍(long)(long)(long)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)犁骨前突向(xiang)前極度延伸(shen),與前頜骨的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)顎(e)(e)突相接(jie),而這一特(te)(te)(te)征在霸(ba)王(wang)(wang)龍(long)(long)(long)中(zhong)不(bu)明顯。特(te)(te)(te)暴(bao)(bao)龍(long)(long)(long)和霸(ba)王(wang)(wang)龍(long)(long)(long)翼骨的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)最(zui)大區別在于(yu)(yu)顎(e)(e)骨關節面(mian)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)前邊緣(yuan)。霸(ba)王(wang)(wang)龍(long)(long)(long)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)翼骨額骨突的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)前邊緣(yuan)是一條斜(xie)線(xian),而特(te)(te)(te)暴(bao)(bao)龍(long)(long)(long)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)翼骨顎(e)(e)骨突前邊緣(yuan)向(xiang)前突出。特(te)(te)(te)暴(bao)(bao)龍(long)(long)(long)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)上枕骨的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)內外向(xiang)寬度小于(yu)(yu)枕髁,而霸(ba)王(wang)(wang)龍(long)(long)(long)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)上枕骨更(geng)(geng)寬。從側面(mian)看(kan),特(te)(te)(te)暴(bao)(bao)龍(long)(long)(long)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)齒(chi)骨吻(wen)端比霸(ba)王(wang)(wang)龍(long)(long)(long)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)更(geng)(geng)加尖細(xi)一點。霸(ba)王(wang)(wang)龍(long)(long)(long)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)夾(jia)板(ban)骨腹緣(yuan)相較(jiao)于(yu)(yu)特(te)(te)(te)暴(bao)(bao)龍(long)(long)(long)有更(geng)(geng)大的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)傾斜(xie)角度,并且夾(jia)板(ban)骨的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)前端位(wei)于(yu)(yu)更(geng)(geng)高的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)位(wei)置。特(te)(te)(te)暴(bao)(bao)龍(long)(long)(long)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)上隅骨孔較(jiao)霸(ba)王(wang)(wang)龍(long)(long)(long)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)要(yao)發達。霸(ba)王(wang)(wang)龍(long)(long)(long)和特(te)(te)(te)暴(bao)(bao)龍(long)(long)(long)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)成體上頜骨齒(chi)和齒(chi)骨齒(chi)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)數量不(bu)一樣(yang)。
歸(gui)入(ru)標本(ben):PIN 551-2是(shi)(shi)一具接近完整的骨架。最(zui)早被歸(gui)入(ru)到(dao)特(te)暴(bao)龍屬的歸(gui)入(ru)種埃夫(fu)雷(lei)莫夫(fu)特(te)暴(bao)龍(Tarbosaurus efremovi)。現(xian)已歸(gui)入(ru)到(dao)勇士(shi)特(te)暴(bao)龍,且勇士(shi)特(te)暴(bao)龍是(shi)(shi)特(te)暴(bao)龍屬下的唯一有效種。
歸(gui)入標本:PIN 553-1保存了頭骨,背椎(zhui)和尾椎(zhui),掌(zhang)骨和跖骨。最開始被歸(gui)入到(dao)蛇發女怪龍屬。現已歸(gui)入勇士特暴龍。
歸(gui)入標本:PIN 552-2保存了頭骨和頭后骨骼(ge)。最(zui)開始被歸(gui)入到(dao)蛇發女怪龍屬。現已歸(gui)入勇(yong)士特暴龍。
歸入標本(ben):MPC-D 107/7是一件幼(you)年的標本(ben),關聯保(bao)存(cun)(cun)。除了(le)缺少頸椎,前部背椎和末端尾椎,其它(ta)骨頭基本(ben)都有保(bao)存(cun)(cun)。
歸(gui)入(ru)標(biao)本:ZPAL MgD-I/3幾乎完整(zheng)的(de)(de)中等體型的(de)(de)個體。保存(cun)(cun)了頭骨(gu)(gu),頸椎(zhui)和背椎(zhui),10節(jie)近端尾椎(zhui),完整(zheng)的(de)(de)腸骨(gu)(gu),恥骨(gu)(gu)和坐骨(gu)(gu),肋骨(gu)(gu)和腹膜肋,完整(zheng)的(de)(de)肩胛骨(gu)(gu),烏喙骨(gu)(gu),左(zuo)側的(de)(de)前肢,不(bu)完整(zheng)保存(cun)(cun)的(de)(de)右側后(hou)肢。
歸入標(biao)本:ZPAL Mgd-I/4部分保存的大型個體。保存了左(zuo)側后肢,腸骨,13節椎體。
歸(gui)入標(biao)本:ZPAL Mgd-I/5不(bu)完整保存的大型骨(gu)(gu)(gu)(gu)(gu)架。保存了(le)左(zuo)側(ce)(ce)上頜骨(gu)(gu)(gu)(gu)(gu),左(zuo)側(ce)(ce)方骨(gu)(gu)(gu)(gu)(gu),左(zuo)側(ce)(ce)的下頜和右側(ce)(ce)的下頜碎(sui)片(pian),11節左(zuo)側(ce)(ce)肋骨(gu)(gu)(gu)(gu)(gu)的碎(sui)片(pian),恥骨(gu)(gu)(gu)(gu)(gu)碎(sui)片(pian),坐(zuo)骨(gu)(gu)(gu)(gu)(gu),腸骨(gu)(gu)(gu)(gu)(gu)碎(sui)片(pian),左(zuo)側(ce)(ce)后肢和右側(ce)(ce)跖骨(gu)(gu)(gu)(gu)(gu),和很(hen)多碎(sui)屑。
歸(gui)入(ru)標本:ZPAL Mgd-I/26不完(wan)整保(bao)存的(de)(de)上頜骨(gu)和一部分保(bao)存下來的(de)(de)牙齒(chi)。
歸入標本:ZPAL Mgd-I/29不(bu)完(wan)整(zheng)的(de)大(da)型骨(gu)架。保存了(le)頭骨(gu)和(he)較為完(wan)整(zheng)的(de)齒列。頭后(hou)骨(gu)骼(ge)保存了(le)6節(jie)頸椎(zhui),5節(jie)薦椎(zhui),22節(jie)尾椎(zhui),11節(jie)右側(ce)肋(lei)骨(gu),腸骨(gu),不(bu)完(wan)整(zheng)的(de)恥骨(gu)和(he)近(jin)端坐骨(gu),左側(ce)肱骨(gu),尺(chi)骨(gu)和(he)橈骨(gu)的(de)遠(yuan)端,第一手(shou)指,幾乎完(wan)整(zheng)的(de)右側(ce)后(hou)肢。
歸入標本:ZPAL Mgd-I/31右(you)側上(shang)頜骨的近(jin)端。
歸入標本:ZPAL Mgd-I/34頭骨右側的碎片。
歸入標本:ZPAL Mgd-I/38不完全保存的(de)頭骨,12節(jie)肋骨,右側(ce)(ce)股(gu)骨的(de)遠端(duan)。右側(ce)(ce)脛(jing)骨的(de)遠端(duan),右側(ce)(ce)的(de)3-4跖骨,第4趾的(de)近端(duan)趾節(jie)骨。
歸入標本:ZPAL Mgd-I/44頭骨的右側(ce)。
歸入標本:ZPAL Mgd-I/45頭骨碎片。
歸入標(biao)本:ZPAL Mgd-I/46右側下頜碎片和(he)其它7塊頭骨碎片,和(he)兩(liang)節(jie)斷掉的背椎肋骨。
歸入標本:ZPAL Mgd-I/52左側(ce)下頜齒骨。
歸入標(biao)本:ZPAL Mgd-I/67右(you)側(ce)顴骨。
歸入(ru)標本:ZPAL Mgd-I/93頭骨腦(nao)顱。
歸入標(biao)本:ZPAL Mgd-I/109大(da)的帶(dai)有(you)圍巖的頭(tou)骨(gu)。
歸(gui)入標(biao)本(ben):ZPAL Mgd-I/178頭骨的碎片,脊椎骨和股(gu)骨。
歸入標本:GIN 100/61頭骨(gu)碎片和頭后(hou)骨(gu)骼。
歸(gui)入標本:GIN 100/62頭(tou)骨碎片和頭(tou)后骨骼。
歸入標本:GIN 100/65頭(tou)骨的右半(ban)部(bu)分。
歸入標(biao)本:GIN 100/67頭骨的碎片,腦(nao)顱。
歸入標(biao)本(ben):GIN 100/69枕區。
歸入標本:GIN 100/70頭骨(gu)碎片和椎(zhui)體。
歸入標本:GIN 107/2完整的骨架。
歸入標本:GIN 107/3頭骨。
歸入(ru)標本:PIN 551-3骨架,保存狀況(kuang)未描述(shu)。最早被歸入(ru)到特暴(bao)龍屬的歸入(ru)種埃夫雷莫夫特暴(bao)龍。現已歸入(ru)到勇士特暴(bao)龍。
歸(gui)入(ru)標本:PIN 551-4骨架,保存狀況未(wei)描述。最早被歸(gui)入(ru)到特(te)暴(bao)龍屬的歸(gui)入(ru)種埃夫雷莫夫特(te)暴(bao)龍。現已歸(gui)入(ru)到勇士特(te)暴(bao)龍。
歸入(ru)標(biao)本:PIN 551-91右側上頜骨(gu)。最(zui)早被歸入(ru)到(dao)(dao)特(te)暴(bao)龍(long)屬的歸入(ru)種埃夫雷(lei)莫(mo)夫特(te)暴(bao)龍(long)。現(xian)已歸入(ru)到(dao)(dao)勇士(shi)特(te)暴(bao)龍(long)。
歸入(ru)標(biao)本:PIN 552-1目前僅有復制品保(bao)存。最(zui)早(zao)被歸入(ru)到(dao)特暴(bao)龍屬(shu)的(de)歸入(ru)種埃夫(fu)雷莫夫(fu)特暴(bao)龍。現已歸入(ru)到(dao)勇士特暴(bao)龍。
歸(gui)(gui)入(ru)(ru)標本:PIN 553-2保存(cun)狀況未描述(shu)。早被歸(gui)(gui)入(ru)(ru)到(dao)特暴龍屬的歸(gui)(gui)入(ru)(ru)種埃夫雷莫夫特暴龍。現已歸(gui)(gui)入(ru)(ru)到(dao)勇士特暴龍。
歸入標本:IVPP V 4878火焰山鄯善龍(Shanshanosaurus huoyanshanensis)的(de)正型(xing)標本,發現(xian)于中(zhong)國新疆,現(xian)在認(ren)為可能是特暴龍的(de)幼體。保存了上(shang)頜骨,下頜大部分骨塊,多節(jie)頸椎(zhui)(zhui),背椎(zhui)(zhui)和(he)薦椎(zhui)(zhui),肩帶骨骼,肱骨,恥(chi)骨遠端,股骨和(he)脛骨近端。
歸入標(biao)本:IVPP V 4733欒川暴(bao)龍(long)(Tyrannosaurus luanchuanensis)的(de)正型標(biao)本,為5顆牙齒,現(xian)認為也(ye)可能(neng)屬于特暴(bao)龍(long)。
歸入標本:IVPP V 836為破(po)碎(sui)金剛口龍(Chingkankousaurus fragilis)的正型標本,為一節不(bu)完整的肩胛骨標本。布魯薩(sa)特(te)等(deng)人(ren)認(ren)為很有可能是特(te)暴(bao)龍,但不(bu)太確定。
特(te)暴(bao)龍(long)同(tong)霸王龍(long)一(yi)(yi)樣,是暴(bao)龍(long)超(chao)科中最進步的(de)成員。大多數的(de)系(xi)統發育分(fen)析都支(zhi)持(chi)霸王龍(long)和特(te)暴(bao)龍(long)構(gou)成一(yi)(yi)個姐妹群,諸城暴(bao)龍(long)作為(wei)(wei)兩者所構(gou)成單系(xi)的(de)姐妹群。也有一(yi)(yi)些分(fen)析認為(wei)(wei)特(te)暴(bao)龍(long)與諸城暴(bao)龍(long)的(de)親緣關系(xi)更近。
如果不考慮標本量(liang)很少(shao)且質量(liang)很差的(de)(de)諸城暴(bao)(bao)(bao)(bao)龍,特暴(bao)(bao)(bao)(bao)龍的(de)(de)體型基(ji)本穩坐(zuo)暴(bao)(bao)(bao)(bao)龍類的(de)(de)第二(er)把交椅。最大(da)(da)的(de)(de)特暴(bao)(bao)(bao)(bao)龍頭骨(gu)長(chang)度(du)(du)達到(dao)1.3米,這一大(da)(da)小顯(xian)著的(de)(de)大(da)(da)于其(qi)它的(de)(de)大(da)(da)型暴(bao)(bao)(bao)(bao)龍類,并基(ji)本達到(dao)了個別霸王龍成年標本的(de)(de)頭骨(gu)長(chang)度(du)(du)。目前最大(da)(da)的(de)(de)特暴(bao)(bao)(bao)(bao)龍標本體長(chang)是肯定能超過10米的(de)(de)。特暴(bao)(bao)(bao)(bao)龍的(de)(de)體重一般估計在4噸左(zuo)右。
通(tong)過(guo)仔細對比霸(ba)王龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)及其(qi)它(ta)北(bei)美暴(bao)(bao)(bao)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)亞科成(cheng)員的(de)(de)(de)(de)頭骨(gu)(gu)(gu)(gu)各個(ge)骨(gu)(gu)(gu)(gu)塊骨(gu)(gu)(gu)(gu)縫與特(te)(te)(te)暴(bao)(bao)(bao)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)的(de)(de)(de)(de)差異可以發(fa)現霸(ba)王龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)與特(te)(te)(te)暴(bao)(bao)(bao)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)的(de)(de)(de)(de)頭骨(gu)(gu)(gu)(gu)具有不太一樣的(de)(de)(de)(de)生(sheng)物(wu)力(li)學結(jie)構(gou)。大(da)(da)型(xing)暴(bao)(bao)(bao)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)類都具有毀滅性的(de)(de)(de)(de)咬(yao)合(he)力(li),而它(ta)們的(de)(de)(de)(de)頭骨(gu)(gu)(gu)(gu)也必須在撕咬(yao)獵物(wu)的(de)(de)(de)(de)同(tong)時(shi)承受同(tong)樣巨大(da)(da)的(de)(de)(de)(de)反(fan)作用力(li)。北(bei)美洲的(de)(de)(de)(de)暴(bao)(bao)(bao)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)亞科主要通(tong)過(guo)上頜骨(gu)(gu)(gu)(gu)-鼻骨(gu)(gu)(gu)(gu)-淚骨(gu)(gu)(gu)(gu)-額骨(gu)(gu)(gu)(gu)/前額骨(gu)(gu)(gu)(gu)的(de)(de)(de)(de)緊密(mi)關節構(gou)成(cheng)來承受撕咬(yao)獵物(wu)過(guo)程中產生(sheng)的(de)(de)(de)(de)反(fan)作用力(li)。其(qi)中,鼻骨(gu)(gu)(gu)(gu)與淚骨(gu)(gu)(gu)(gu)構(gou)成(cheng)了(le)非常(chang)強(qiang)(qiang)的(de)(de)(de)(de)關節,且(qie)這(zhe)一特(te)(te)(te)征普遍(bian)存在于北(bei)美的(de)(de)(de)(de)大(da)(da)型(xing)暴(bao)(bao)(bao)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)亞科中。對于特(te)(te)(te)暴(bao)(bao)(bao)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)的(de)(de)(de)(de)研究顯示,與北(bei)美洲的(de)(de)(de)(de)親戚們相(xiang)比,特(te)(te)(te)暴(bao)(bao)(bao)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)的(de)(de)(de)(de)淚骨(gu)(gu)(gu)(gu)前突向下偏轉的(de)(de)(de)(de)更多,并且(qie)擁(yong)有比北(bei)美洲暴(bao)(bao)(bao)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)類更為強(qiang)(qiang)壯的(de)(de)(de)(de)上頜骨(gu)(gu)(gu)(gu)升(sheng)突,使得(de)這(zhe)兩(liang)個(ge)塊骨(gu)(gu)(gu)(gu)頭通(tong)過(guo)復雜(za)的(de)(de)(de)(de)關節面緊密(mi)關節在一起。同(tong)時(shi)特(te)(te)(te)暴(bao)(bao)(bao)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)的(de)(de)(de)(de)前額骨(gu)(gu)(gu)(gu)與淚骨(gu)(gu)(gu)(gu)也有非常(chang)緊密(mi)的(de)(de)(de)(de)關節。非常(chang)強(qiang)(qiang)大(da)(da)的(de)(de)(de)(de)上頜骨(gu)(gu)(gu)(gu)-淚骨(gu)(gu)(gu)(gu)關節也見于異特(te)(te)(te)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)和中華盜龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)這(zhe)樣的(de)(de)(de)(de)大(da)(da)型(xing)異特(te)(te)(te)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)類中。
對(dui)于異特(te)(te)龍(long)(long)(long)頭(tou)骨(gu)(gu)的(de)(de)(de)有(you)限元分析顯(xian)示,異特(te)(te)龍(long)(long)(long)在攻(gong)擊(ji)獵(lie)物時,頭(tou)骨(gu)(gu)的(de)(de)(de)上(shang)頜骨(gu)(gu)-淚骨(gu)(gu)關(guan)節處(chu)會承受非(fei)常大(da)的(de)(de)(de)反作用力。另外(wai)一(yi)(yi)點區(qu)別是(shi),北美洲(zhou)的(de)(de)(de)暴(bao)龍(long)(long)(long)類(lei)(lei)下頜的(de)(de)(de)齒骨(gu)(gu)和(he)(he)后面(mian)的(de)(de)(de)骨(gu)(gu)塊具有(you)較為(wei)靈活的(de)(de)(de)關(guan)節,使得它們(men)的(de)(de)(de)下頜可以(yi)一(yi)(yi)定程度的(de)(de)(de)內外(wai)擴展和(he)(he)收縮,而特(te)(te)暴(bao)龍(long)(long)(long)沒有(you)這樣(yang)的(de)(de)(de)關(guan)節,使得它們(men)的(de)(de)(de)下頜更為(wei)一(yi)(yi)體(ti)化(hua)。造成(cheng)這些(xie)區(qu)別的(de)(de)(de)原因(yin)主要是(shi)亞洲(zhou)暴(bao)龍(long)(long)(long)類(lei)(lei)和(he)(he)北美洲(zhou)的(de)(de)(de)暴(bao)龍(long)(long)(long)類(lei)(lei)所面(mian)對(dui)的(de)(de)(de)獵(lie)物不太一(yi)(yi)樣(yang)。晚白(bai)堊世(shi)北美洲(zhou)的(de)(de)(de)暴(bao)龍(long)(long)(long)類(lei)(lei)主要捕食角龍(long)(long)(long)類(lei)(lei)和(he)(he)鴨嘴龍(long)(long)(long)類(lei)(lei),而亞洲(zhou)的(de)(de)(de)暴(bao)龍(long)(long)(long)類(lei)(lei)則有(you)更多的(de)(de)(de)機會捕獵(lie)大(da)型蜥腳類(lei)(lei)恐龍(long)(long)(long),比如(ru)泰坦巨龍(long)(long)(long)類(lei)(lei)。目前還未(wei)有(you)研究使用模型化(hua)的(de)(de)(de)方法精確計算過特(te)(te)暴(bao)龍(long)(long)(long)的(de)(de)(de)咬合(he)力,但定性的(de)(de)(de)比較認為(wei),特(te)(te)暴(bao)龍(long)(long)(long)與(yu)其它大(da)型暴(bao)龍(long)(long)(long)類(lei)(lei)一(yi)(yi)樣(yang)擁有(you)非(fei)常巨大(da)的(de)(de)(de)咬合(he)力。
菲(fei)利(li)普.柯瑞等人在2003年的(de)(de)(de)一(yi)項研究(jiu)(jiu)中報(bao)道了2個(ge)可能屬于特(te)暴(bao)(bao)龍的(de)(de)(de)腳印(yin)(yin)。這些腳印(yin)(yin)非(fei)常(chang)巨大(da),有61厘(li)米長(chang),保存了第三趾爪在地上留下(xia)的(de)(de)(de)痕(hen)跡。同時放大(da)觀察腳印(yin)(yin)還可以看到里面(mian)的(de)(de)(de)皮膚印(yin)(yin)痕(hen)。皮膚印(yin)(yin)痕(hen)中的(de)(de)(de)每個(ge)鱗(lin)片大(da)約(yue)有2毫米寬(kuan)。另外一(yi)件特(te)暴(bao)(bao)龍的(de)(de)(de)骨架(jia)上也發現了皮膚印(yin)(yin)痕(hen)。皮膚印(yin)(yin)痕(hen)保留在接近咽(yan)喉的(de)(de)(de)位(wei)置,鱗(lin)片的(de)(de)(de)寬(kuan)度約(yue)為2.4毫米。遺憾的(de)(de)(de)是這件標本已經被(bei)破壞,無(wu)法對其進行更深(shen)入(ru)的(de)(de)(de)研究(jiu)(jiu)。
一件特(te)(te)暴(bao)(bao)(bao)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)標本保存了完整的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)顱腔。通過制(zhi)作(zuo)顱內模可(ke)以了解(jie)特(te)(te)暴(bao)(bao)(bao)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)腦結構。特(te)(te)暴(bao)(bao)(bao)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)腦結構與霸(ba)王龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)十分相似,其主要的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)區別(bie)僅存在于個(ge)別(bie)腦神經(jing)基部的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)位(wei)置(zhi),如三叉神經(jing)和副神經(jing)。一只12米長的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)特(te)(te)暴(bao)(bao)(bao)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)腦體積約(yue)為184立方厘米。特(te)(te)暴(bao)(bao)(bao)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)和霸(ba)王龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)一樣擁有(you)非常(chang)大(da)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)嗅(xiu)葉,這說明(ming)它們有(you)良好的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)嗅(xiu)覺(jue)。同時它們也(ye)具(ju)有(you)發達的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)犁鼻器用于探測荷爾蒙(meng),這說明(ming)特(te)(te)暴(bao)(bao)(bao)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)可(ke)能擁有(you)復雜(za)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)交配行(xing)為。特(te)(te)暴(bao)(bao)(bao)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)聽神經(jing)也(ye)很發達,說明(ming)它們有(you)較(jiao)好的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)聽力。特(te)(te)暴(bao)(bao)(bao)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)中腦頂部(midbrain tectum)不甚(shen)發達,它的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)動(dong)眼神經(jing)和視神經(jing)也(ye)是如此。在頭(tou)骨的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)宏觀形(xing)態形(xing)態上,特(te)(te)暴(bao)(bao)(bao)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)頭(tou)骨后端向外側(ce)擴展(zhan)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)較(jiao)少,其雙眼視覺(jue)疊加范圍不如霸(ba)王龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)。因此特(te)(te)暴(bao)(bao)(bao)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)在生活(huo)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)時候對(dui)嗅(xiu)覺(jue)和聽覺(jue)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)依(yi)賴(lai)(lai)要遠大(da)于對(dui)視覺(jue)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)依(yi)賴(lai)(lai)。
同(tong)北(bei)(bei)美的(de)(de)(de)大型暴(bao)(bao)(bao)(bao)龍(long)(long)類一(yi)(yi)樣,特(te)暴(bao)(bao)(bao)(bao)龍(long)(long)在(zai)生長發(fa)(fa)育過程中也伴隨著一(yi)(yi)系列的(de)(de)(de)形(xing)態變化(hua)。目前發(fa)(fa)現(xian)的(de)(de)(de)大多(duo)數(shu)(shu)特(te)暴(bao)(bao)(bao)(bao)龍(long)(long)標(biao)(biao)本屬(shu)于(yu)(yu)亞成年(nian)(nian)個(ge)(ge)體(ti)(ti)(ti)(ti)或成年(nian)(nian)個(ge)(ge)體(ti)(ti)(ti)(ti),只有(you)很(hen)少的(de)(de)(de)幼(you)年(nian)(nian)個(ge)(ge)體(ti)(ti)(ti)(ti)。2011年(nian)(nian)發(fa)(fa)表(biao)的(de)(de)(de)一(yi)(yi)件(jian)特(te)暴(bao)(bao)(bao)(bao)龍(long)(long)幼(you)體(ti)(ti)(ti)(ti)標(biao)(biao)本使得古(gu)生物學家對于(yu)(yu)特(te)暴(bao)(bao)(bao)(bao)龍(long)(long)的(de)(de)(de)幼(you)年(nian)(nian)時期有(you)了更多(duo)了解(jie)。這只幼(you)體(ti)(ti)(ti)(ti)在(zai)死亡的(de)(de)(de)時候大約只有(you)2-3歲。與(yu)(yu)成年(nian)(nian)個(ge)(ge)體(ti)(ti)(ti)(ti)相(xiang)比,幼(you)體(ti)(ti)(ti)(ti)的(de)(de)(de)頭骨較為脆弱,牙(ya)齒(chi)也不夠強壯,說(shuo)明幼(you)體(ti)(ti)(ti)(ti)的(de)(de)(de)獵物與(yu)(yu)成體(ti)(ti)(ti)(ti)有(you)較大的(de)(de)(de)不同(tong)。與(yu)(yu)霸(ba)王龍(long)(long)和懼龍(long)(long)不同(tong)的(de)(de)(de)是(shi),這件(jian)幼(you)年(nian)(nian)特(te)暴(bao)(bao)(bao)(bao)龍(long)(long)標(biao)(biao)本的(de)(de)(de)齒(chi)骨齒(chi)和上(shang)頜(he)骨齒(chi)的(de)(de)(de)數(shu)(shu)量(liang)與(yu)(yu)成年(nian)(nian)個(ge)(ge)體(ti)(ti)(ti)(ti)的(de)(de)(de)數(shu)(shu)量(liang)一(yi)(yi)致,說(shuo)明特(te)暴(bao)(bao)(bao)(bao)龍(long)(long)在(zai)個(ge)(ge)體(ti)(ti)(ti)(ti)發(fa)(fa)育的(de)(de)(de)過程中不存(cun)在(zai)牙(ya)齒(chi)數(shu)(shu)量(liang)變化(hua)的(de)(de)(de)現(xian)象。這一(yi)(yi)區別是(shi)否廣(guang)泛存(cun)在(zai)與(yu)(yu)亞洲和北(bei)(bei)美洲的(de)(de)(de)其它暴(bao)(bao)(bao)(bao)龍(long)(long)亞科物種還(huan)需(xu)要(yao)進一(yi)(yi)步(bu)檢驗。對于(yu)(yu)幼(you)體(ti)(ti)(ti)(ti)鞏膜環的(de)(de)(de)研究(jiu)表(biao)明,幼(you)體(ti)(ti)(ti)(ti)可能(neng)具有(you)夜(ye)行的(de)(de)(de)習(xi)性。成年(nian)(nian)特(te)暴(bao)(bao)(bao)(bao)龍(long)(long)是(shi)否具有(you)夜(ye)行習(xi)性還(huan)需(xu)要(yao)更多(duo)的(de)(de)(de)化(hua)石證據支持。
特暴龍(long)(long)是(shi)其(qi)所處生態系統中最大的(de)(de)捕食(shi)(shi)者,與其(qi)共(gong)存的(de)(de)植(zhi)食(shi)(shi)性恐龍(long)(long)包括(kuo)蜥腳類(lei)的(de)(de)耐梅蓋(gai)(gai)特龍(long)(long)和(he)(he)后(hou)凹尾龍(long)(long),甲(jia)龍(long)(long)類(lei)的(de)(de)美(mei)甲(jia)龍(long)(long),腫頭龍(long)(long)類(lei)的(de)(de)傾(qing)頭龍(long)(long),鴨嘴龍(long)(long)類(lei)的(de)(de)櫛龍(long)(long)和(he)(he)巴思缽氏龍(long)(long),屬(shu)(shu)于(yu)鐮(lian)刀龍(long)(long)類(lei)的(de)(de)鐮(lian)刀龍(long)(long),屬(shu)(shu)于(yu)似鳥龍(long)(long)類(lei)似鵝龍(long)(long),似雞龍(long)(long)和(he)(he)體型巨大的(de)(de)恐手龍(long)(long)。肉食(shi)(shi)性恐龍(long)(long)則包括(kuo)同屬(shu)(shu)于(yu)暴龍(long)(long)亞(ya)科的(de)(de)分支龍(long)(long),屬(shu)(shu)于(yu)傷齒龍(long)(long)類(lei)的(de)(de)無聊龍(long)(long),鴕鳥龍(long)(long)和(he)(he)扎(zha)納巴扎(zha)爾龍(long)(long),屬(shu)(shu)于(yu)竊蛋(dan)龍(long)(long)類(lei)的(de)(de)單(dan)足龍(long)(long),耐梅蓋(gai)(gai)特母(mu)龍(long)(long)和(he)(he)瑞欽龍(long)(long)。
特(te)(te)暴(bao)龍曾登(deng)場于BBC的(de)紀錄(lu)片《恐龍兇面目》以及《與龍同(tong)行特(te)(te)輯:尋爪記》。近期它又在紀錄(lu)片《史前星球》中登(deng)場。
在電(dian)(dian)影方面(mian),特暴龍(long)(long)登場于(yu)韓國的動畫電(dian)(dian)影《韓半(ban)島的恐(kong)龍(long)(long)》以及國產恐(kong)龍(long)(long)動畫電(dian)(dian)影《恐(kong)龍(long)(long)王》。
特暴龍位于食物鏈的頂端,是一種頂級掠(lve)食動物(wu)。特(te)暴(bao)(bao)龍(long)(long)在暴(bao)(bao)龍(long)(long)科中的(de)(de)分類位置仍未確定。以前,有(you)些科學(xue)家(jia)認(ren)為勇士特(te)暴(bao)(bao)龍(long)(long)其實(shi)是北美洲暴(bao)(bao)龍(long)(long)的(de)(de)亞洲種。如果屬實(shi),將(jiang)使特(te)暴(bao)(bao)龍(long)(long)成為無效的(de)(de)分類。即使特(te)暴(bao)(bao)龍(long)(long)與(yu)暴(bao)(bao)龍(long)(long)不(bu)是同(tong)(tong)種動物(wu),它們被認(ren)為有(you)接近的(de)(de)親(qin)緣(yuan)關系。有(you)些科學(xue)家(jia)認(ren)為,同(tong)(tong)樣發(fa)現于(yu)蒙古的(de)(de)分支龍(long)(long),是特(te)暴(bao)(bao)龍(long)(long)的(de)(de)近親(qin)。
特暴(bao)龍的化(hua)石記錄保存良好(hao),已有(you)數(shu)十個標本,包含至少(shao)5個完(wan)整的頭(tou)顱骨與(yu)骨骸(hai)。這些化(hua)石讓(rang)科學家得以(yi)(yi)研(yan)究(jiu)它們的種系發生學、頭(tou)部力學、以(yi)(yi)及腦(nao)部結構。
特暴龍(long)屬(shu)于(yu)暴龍(long)科(ke)的(de)(de)暴龍(long)亞(ya)科(ke)。該亞(ya)科(ke)還(huan)包含較(jiao)(jiao)早(zao)期的(de)(de)懼龍(long)、較(jiao)(jiao)晚期的(de)(de)暴龍(long),都(dou)發現(xian)于(yu)北美洲(zhou),可能還(huan)有蒙(meng)古(gu)的(de)(de)分支龍(long)。暴龍(long)亞(ya)科(ke)包含親緣(yuan)關系較(jiao)(jiao)接近暴龍(long),而離艾伯塔龍(long)較(jiao)(jiao)遠的(de)(de)物種(zhong);與艾伯塔龍(long)亞(ya)科(ke)相比(bi),暴龍(long)亞(ya)科(ke)的(de)(de)體格較(jiao)(jiao)重型,頭顱骨的(de)(de)比(bi)例較(jiao)(jiao)大,以(yi)及較(jiao)(jiao)長的(de)(de)股骨。
勇士特暴龍最初被視為暴龍的一個種,某些近年的分類也支持這個說法。其他的(de)(de)科(ke)學家則將它們列(lie)為(wei)(wei)獨立(li)的(de)(de)屬(shu),并為(wei)(wei)暴(bao)龍(long)(long)的(de)(de)姐妹分類單(dan)元。在2003年,一個(ge)親緣分支(zhi)(zhi)分類法研究提出分支(zhi)(zhi)龍(long)(long)是(shi)特暴(bao)龍(long)(long)的(de)(de)近親,因(yin)為(wei)(wei)它們具(ju)有(you)其他暴(bao)龍(long)(long)亞科(ke)沒有(you)的(de)(de)頭部特征(zheng)。如(ru)果(guo)屬(shu)實,將排(pai)除特暴(bao)龍(long)(long)是(shi)暴(bao)龍(long)(long)的(de)(de)一個(ge)異名的(de)(de)可能性,并顯示暴(bao)龍(long)(long)亞科(ke)在北美洲與亞洲演化出個(ge)別的(de)(de)支(zhi)(zhi)系。分支(zhi)(zhi)龍(long)(long)的(de)(de)唯一標本具(ju)有(you)幼年體(ti)的(de)(de)特征(zheng),但牙齒數量較多,約(yue)76到78顆(ke),而且口(kou)鼻部上(shang)面有(you)獨特的(de)(de)低矮骨質瘤,因(yin)此并非(fei)特暴(bao)龍(long)(long)的(de)(de)幼年體(ti)。
特(te)暴(bao)龍(long)過(guo)去生存于潮濕的(de)泛濫平原,布滿者(zhe)河(he)道。在中(zhong)國(guo)(guo)的(de)分(fen)布包(bao)括黑龍(long)江,河(he)南(nan),山東,廣東,云南(nan),內蒙(meng)古(gu)等地,國(guo)(guo)外主要是蒙(meng)古(gu)。在中(zhong)國(guo)(guo)黑龍(long)江,河(he)南(nan),山東,廣東的(de)所謂中(zhong)國(guo)(guo)"暴(bao)龍(long)"其(qi)實都是特(te)暴(bao)龍(long)。
特(te)(te)(te)暴(bao)(bao)龍(long)(long)(long)是最大(da)型(xing)(xing)(xing)的(de)(de)暴(bao)(bao)龍(long)(long)(long)科(ke)(ke)動(dong)物之一(yi),但略小(xiao)于暴(bao)(bao)龍(long)(long)(long)。已(yi)知最大(da)型(xing)(xing)(xing)的(de)(de)個(ge)體(ti)身(shen)長12米,頭部(bu)離地(di)面約4.2米。一(yi)般體(ti)重3噸(dun)(dun)(dun)到(dao)5噸(dun)(dun)(dun),最大(da)的(de)(de)化石(shi)體(ti)重可達(da)(da)到(dao)7.5噸(dun)(dun)(dun)。如同(tong)大(da)部(bu)分已(yi)知的(de)(de)暴(bao)(bao)龍(long)(long)(long)科(ke)(ke)恐龍(long)(long)(long),特(te)(te)(te)暴(bao)(bao)龍(long)(long)(long)是種(zhong)大(da)型(xing)(xing)(xing)、二足掠食動(dong)物,重達(da)(da)數噸(dun)(dun)(dun),擁有(you)數十顆大(da)型(xing)(xing)(xing)、銳(rui)利的(de)(de)牙(ya)齒。特(te)(te)(te)暴(bao)(bao)龍(long)(long)(long)的(de)(de)下頜有(you)特(te)(te)(te)殊的(de)(de)接合(he)構造。另外(wai),就前肢/身(shen)體(ti)比例而言(yan),特(te)(te)(te)暴(bao)(bao)龍(long)(long)(long)擁有(you)暴(bao)(bao)龍(long)(long)(long)科(ke)(ke)中(zhong)最小(xiao)型(xing)(xing)(xing)的(de)(de)前肢。特(te)(te)(te)暴(bao)(bao)龍(long)(long)(long)是種(zhong)大(da)型(xing)(xing)(xing)、二足掠食動(dong)物,重達(da)(da)數噸(dun)(dun)(dun)。特(te)(te)(te)暴(bao)(bao)龍(long)(long)(long)唯(wei)一(yi)一(yi)個(ge)有(you)效(xiao)種(zhong)的(de)(de)體(ti)型(xing)(xing)(xing):勇士特(te)(te)(te)暴(bao)(bao)龍(long)(long)(long)Tarbosaurus bataar 8-12米。
暴龍科(ke)的(de)身體(ti)外形(xing)差異不大。特(te)暴龍的(de)頸部為S狀彎曲(qu),其余的(de)脊柱,包含尾巴(ba),與地面保持者(zhe)水平(ping)的(de)姿態。
就(jiu)前(qian)肢/身體比例而言,特暴(bao)龍(long)擁有暴(bao)龍(long)科中(zhong)最小型的前(qian)肢。有兩根(gen)迷你的手指(zhi)。后肢長(chang)(chang)而粗厚,將(jiang)身體支撐為二足(zu)的步態,上(shang)有三根(gen)腳趾。長(chang)(chang)而重的尾巴(ba)可以平(ping)衡頭部與(yu)胸部的重量(liang),將(jiang)重心保(bao)持(chi)在臀部。
在2003年,特(te)(te)暴(bao)(bao)龍(long)的(de)(de)顱骨首(shou)次經(jing)過完整的(de)(de)研究。科學(xue)家們發現特(te)(te)暴(bao)(bao)龍(long)與(yu)北美洲暴(bao)(bao)龍(long)科之間(jian)有幾(ji)個(ge)顯著(zhu)的(de)(de)差異。這(zhe)些差異與(yu)顱骨在咬合時,力(li)量的(de)(de)傳(chuan)(chuan)遞(di)有關。當特(te)(te)暴(bao)(bao)龍(long)的(de)(de)上(shang)(shang)頜咬住(zhu)物體時,力(li)量從上(shang)(shang)頜骨傳(chuan)(chuan)遞(di)到上(shang)(shang)頜周遭的(de)(de)顱骨。而北美洲暴(bao)(bao)龍(long)科咬合時,力(li)量從上(shang)(shang)頜骨傳(chuan)(chuan)遞(di)到口鼻(bi)部上(shang)(shang)方的(de)(de)固定鼻(bi)骨,然后再經(jing)由鼻(bi)骨與(yu)淚(lei)骨間(jian)的(de)(de)骨質連結,傳(chuan)(chuan)遞(di)到淚(lei)骨。
特暴龍(long)的(de)鼻骨(gu)(gu)(gu)(gu)(gu)(gu)與淚骨(gu)(gu)(gu)(gu)(gu)(gu)間(jian)(jian)缺(que)乏(fa)骨(gu)(gu)(gu)(gu)(gu)(gu)質的(de)連(lian)結。但上(shang)頜(he)(he)(he)骨(gu)(gu)(gu)(gu)(gu)(gu)的(de)后方有個大型突起,楔合(he)入(ru)淚骨(gu)(gu)(gu)(gu)(gu)(gu)內;而(er)北(bei)美洲暴龍(long)的(de)上(shang)頜(he)(he)(he)骨(gu)(gu)(gu)(gu)(gu)(gu)后突很小。這個特征顯(xian)示,咬合(he)的(de)力(li)量從(cong)特暴龍(long)的(de)上(shang)頜(he)(he)(he)骨(gu)(gu)(gu)(gu)(gu)(gu)直接傳遞到(dao)淚骨(gu)(gu)(gu)(gu)(gu)(gu)。而(er)淚骨(gu)(gu)(gu)(gu)(gu)(gu)與額(e)骨(gu)(gu)(gu)(gu)(gu)(gu)、前額(e)骨(gu)(gu)(gu)(gu)(gu)(gu)之(zhi)間(jian)(jian)更為牢(lao)固(gu)。由于上(shang)頜(he)(he)(he)骨(gu)(gu)(gu)(gu)(gu)(gu)、淚骨(gu)(gu)(gu)(gu)(gu)(gu)、額(e)骨(gu)(gu)(gu)(gu)(gu)(gu)、前額(e)骨(gu)(gu)(gu)(gu)(gu)(gu)之(zhi)間(jian)(jian)牢(lao)牢(lao)地固(gu)定者,使得上(shang)頜(he)(he)(he)非(fei)常堅固(gu)。
另一個主(zhu)要(yao)的差別(bie)則是(shi)堅固的下(xia)頜(he)(he)。許多(duo)獸腳類恐龍,包括(kuo)北美洲暴龍科在內,下(xia)頜(he)(he)的齒骨(gu)與后面骨(gu)頭間有靈活的關節。特(te)暴龍的隅骨(gu)側邊棱脊(ji)連接者齒骨(gu)后方的方形突,使它們的下(xia)頜(he)(he)無法靈活外內扳動。
有些科學家(jia)提出假設,認為(wei)特(te)暴(bao)龍(long)的(de)(de)(de)堅硬頭(tou)部(bu)(bu)是種(zhong)適應演化,用來(lai)獵殺耐梅蓋特(te)組的(de)(de)(de)大型蜥腳類(lei)恐(kong)龍(long),泰(tai)坦巨龍(long)類(lei),因為(wei)晚(wan)白堊紀的(de)(de)(de)北美洲并(bing)沒有如此(ci)巨大的(de)(de)(de)恐(kong)龍(long)存(cun)在。這種(zhong)頭(tou)部(bu)(bu)力學的(de)(de)(de)差異(yi)也影響了暴(bao)龍(long)科的(de)(de)(de)種(zhong)系發生學。同樣發現于蒙古的(de)(de)(de)分支龍(long),也具有類(lei)似特(te)暴(bao)龍(long)的(de)(de)(de)頭(tou)部(bu)(bu)力學特(te)征,這顯示暴(bao)龍(long)并(bing)非特(te)暴(bao)龍(long)的(de)(de)(de)近親(qin)。特(te)暴(bao)龍(long)與(yu)暴(bao)龍(long)的(de)(de)(de)相似處(chu)可(ke)能導(dao)因于它們巨大的(de)(de)(de)體型,是平行(xing)演化的(de)(de)(de)結果。
一(yi)個在1948年(nian)發現的(de)顱(lu)骨,一(yi)度被歸類于(yu)蛇發女(nv)怪(guai)龍(long)的(de)G. lancinator,因為具(ju)有(you)顱(lu)腔(qiang),有(you)助于(yu)科學家(jia)了(le)解(jie)特暴龍(long)的(de)腦部(bu)結(jie)構。在1965年(nian),馬列夫(fu)制(zhi)(zhi)作了(le)一(yi)個石膏顱(lu)腔(qiang)模型,并(bing)做了(le)初步(bu)的(de)腦部(bu)形狀檢查。在2005年(nian),謝爾蓋(gai)·薩伐黎(li)耶夫(fu)(Sergei V. Saveliev)制(zhi)(zhi)作了(le)一(yi)個聚氨酯顱(lu)腔(qiang)模型,并(bing)做了(le)更詳細的(de)腦部(bu)結(jie)構與(yu)功能研(yan)究(jiu)。
根(gen)據暴龍(long)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)腦(nao)部(bu)結(jie)構研究,它們兩者的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)腦(nao)部(bu)結(jie)構相(xiang)似,只(zhi)有某些(xie)腦(nao)神(shen)(shen)經(jing)(jing)根(gen)部(bu)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)位置不(bu)(bu)一樣,包含三叉神(shen)(shen)經(jing)(jing)與(yu)(yu)副神(shen)(shen)經(jing)(jing)。暴龍(long)科的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)腦(nao)部(bu)較(jiao)類(lei)(lei)(lei)似鱷魚(yu)與(yu)(yu)其(qi)他(ta)爬蟲(chong)類(lei)(lei)(lei),而(er)較(jiao)不(bu)(bu)類(lei)(lei)(lei)似鳥類(lei)(lei)(lei)。特(te)(te)暴龍(long)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)腦(nao)部(bu)體(ti)積為(wei)184立(li)方厘米。腦(nao)部(bu)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)大(da)(da)型(xing)嗅(xiu)球(qiu)、末端(duan)神(shen)(shen)經(jing)(jing)、嗅(xiu)神(shen)(shen)經(jing)(jing),顯(xian)(xian)(xian)(xian)示特(te)(te)暴龍(long)具(ju)(ju)有靈敏的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)嗅(xiu)覺,這(zhe)點如同暴龍(long)。犁(li)(li)鼻球(qiu)大(da)(da)型(xing),而(er)且與(yu)(yu)嗅(xiu)球(qiu)分離,顯(xian)(xian)(xian)(xian)示可以感(gan)應費(fei)洛蒙的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)犁(li)(li)鼻器發展(zhan)良好(hao)(hao)。這(zhe)個特(te)(te)征顯(xian)(xian)(xian)(xian)示特(te)(te)暴龍(long)可能具(ju)(ju)有復雜的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)求偶行為(wei)。聽神(shen)(shen)經(jing)(jing)也很大(da)(da),顯(xian)(xian)(xian)(xian)示它們的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)聽力(li)很好(hao)(hao),可能用(yong)在聲(sheng)音的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)溝(gou)通與(yu)(yu)警(jing)告(gao)上。聽神(shen)(shen)經(jing)(jing)連接者發展(zhan)良好(hao)(hao)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)前庭系(xi)統,顯(xian)(xian)(xian)(xian)示它們的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)平衡感(gan)與(yu)(yu)協調性(xing)很好(hao)(hao)。相(xiang)反(fan)地,與(yu)(yu)視(shi)力(li)有關(guan)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)腦(nao)部(bu)區域(yu)與(yu)(yu)神(shen)(shen)經(jing)(jing)較(jiao)小。爬蟲(chong)類(lei)(lei)(lei)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)中(zhong)腦(nao)頂(ding)蓋連接控制眼球(qiu)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)視(shi)神(shen)(shen)經(jing)(jing)與(yu)(yu)動(dong)(dong)眼神(shen)(shen)經(jing)(jing),是用(yong)來處理(li)視(shi)力(li)訊息(xi),但(dan)特(te)(te)暴龍(long)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)中(zhong)腦(nao)頂(ding)蓋非(fei)常小。暴龍(long)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)眼睛朝前,因(yin)此具(ju)(ju)有一定(ding)程(cheng)度的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)立(li)體(ti)視(shi)覺;但(dan)特(te)(te)暴龍(long)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)顱骨狹窄,眼睛朝向兩側,如同典型(xing)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)暴龍(long)科動(dong)(dong)物。這(zhe)些(xie)特(te)(te)征顯(xian)(xian)(xian)(xian)示特(te)(te)暴龍(long)較(jiao)依靠嗅(xiu)覺與(yu)(yu)聽覺,而(er)非(fei)視(shi)覺。
已知最大(da)型的(de)特暴(bao)(bao)(bao)龍(long)(long)(long)顱骨(gu)長度超過1.3米(mi),小于暴(bao)(bao)(bao)龍(long)(long)(long)和諸城暴(bao)(bao)(bao)龍(long)(long)(long)以及懼龍(long)(long)(long),但(dan)大(da)于其它的(de)暴(bao)(bao)(bao)龍(long)(long)(long)科(ke)。如(ru)同暴(bao)(bao)(bao)龍(long)(long)(long),特暴(bao)(bao)(bao)龍(long)(long)(long)的(de)顱骨(gu)高大(da),前(qian)段狹窄。顱骨(gu)后段擴(kuo)張幅度不(bu)大(da),意味著特暴(bao)(bao)(bao)龍(long)(long)(long)所以不(bu)如(ru)暴(bao)(bao)(bao)龍(long)(long)(long)擁有(you)的(de)立(li)體(ti)視覺好。
顱(lu)骨的(de)大型洞孔可減(jian)輕重量。特暴龍的(de)下頜有特殊的(de)接合構(gou)造(zao)。
顎(e)(e)部(bu)有60到64顆牙(ya)齒(chi),略(lve)少于暴龍(long),但大于其(qi)它(ta)(ta)體型較小(xiao)的(de)(de)暴龍(long)科,例如(ru)蛇(she)發(fa)女怪龍(long)與(yu)分支龍(long)。大部(bu)分的(de)(de)牙(ya)齒(chi)橫(heng)剖(pou)面為橢圓形,而前上(shang)(shang)顎(e)(e)骨的(de)(de)牙(ya)齒(chi)橫(heng)剖(pou)面為D形。暴龍(long)科都具(ju)有這種異型齒(chi)特征。上(shang)(shang)顎(e)(e)骨的(de)(de)牙(ya)齒(chi)最長,齒(chi)冠長達85公厘(li)。如(ru)同其(qi)它(ta)(ta)大型暴龍(long)科與(yu)現代的(de)(de)科莫多龍(long),特暴龍(long)的(de)(de)幼年與(yu)近成年個(ge)體的(de)(de)身上(shang)(shang)發(fa)現過有齒(chi)痕(hen),符合成年個(ge)體或其(qi)它(ta)(ta)較小(xiao)型獸(shou)腳類恐龍(long)的(de)(de)牙(ya)齒(chi)。
特暴龍與分(fen)支龍的下(xia)顎外側各有一道棱脊,從隅(yu)骨(gu)延伸到齒骨(gu)后(hou)方(fang),形成相扣的結構。其它暴龍科動物(wu)缺乏這道棱脊,因此下(xia)顎更為靈活(huo)。
特暴龍(long)位于食物(wu)鏈的(de)(de)(de)頂端,是一種頂級掠食者,可(ke)能以大型恐龍(long)為(wei)食,例如(ru)鴨嘴龍(long)類(lei)的(de)(de)(de)櫛龍(long),或是蜥(xi)腳類(lei)的(de)(de)(de)納摩蓋吐龍(long)。
成年特暴(bao)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)可能(neng)與其它(ta)(ta)小(xiao)型獸腳類(lei)(lei)恐(kong)(kong)(kong)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)有少許競爭,例如傷齒龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)科(ke)的(de)無聊龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)、鴕(tuo)鳥龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)、蜥鳥龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long),以及(ji)偷蛋龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)下目(mu)的(de)單足龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)、瑞欽龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long),或(huo)者還(huan)有小(xiao)掠龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long),一種有時(shi)被認為是(shi)(shi)基底暴(bao)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)超(chao)科(ke)的(de)恐(kong)(kong)(kong)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)。其它(ta)(ta)的(de)獸腳類(lei)(lei)恐(kong)(kong)(kong)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long),包含(han):巨大的(de)鐮刀龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)、似(si)鳥龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)下目(mu)的(de)似(si)鵝龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)、似(si)雞龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)、恐(kong)(kong)(kong)手龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long),鐮刀龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)可能(neng)是(shi)(shi)草食(shi)性,而上述似(si)鳥龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)類(lei)(lei)恐(kong)(kong)(kong)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)可能(neng)為雜食(shi)性,以小(xiao)型動物(wu)為食(shi),不會跟特暴(bao)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)競爭食(shi)物(wu)。
在2001年,布(bu)魯(lu)斯·羅斯柴爾德(Bruce Rothschild)等人發表一份獸腳類恐龍的(de)壓(ya)力(li)性(xing)(xing)(xing)(xing)骨(gu)(gu)折(zhe)(zhe)與(yu)肌腱(jian)撕裂(lie)(lie)傷(shang)(shang)研(yan)(yan)究,并研(yan)(yan)究它們的(de)行為(wei)模式。壓(ya)力(li)性(xing)(xing)(xing)(xing)骨(gu)(gu)折(zhe)(zhe)較常(chang)(chang)導因(yin)于習慣性(xing)(xing)(xing)(xing)動作,較少來(lai)自于外力(li)沖擊。他們研(yan)(yan)究18個(ge)特(te)暴(bao)龍的(de)腳掌(zhang)(zhang)骨(gu)(gu)骼,沒有發現壓(ya)力(li)性(xing)(xing)(xing)(xing)骨(gu)(gu)折(zhe)(zhe)的(de)跡象;而(er)在10個(ge)被研(yan)(yan)究的(de)手掌(zhang)(zhang)骨(gu)(gu)頭(tou)中,其中一個(ge)手部骨(gu)(gu)頭(tou)有發現壓(ya)力(li)性(xing)(xing)(xing)(xing)骨(gu)(gu)折(zhe)(zhe)的(de)跡象。腳部骨(gu)(gu)頭(tou)的(de)壓(ya)力(li)性(xing)(xing)(xing)(xing)骨(gu)(gu)折(zhe)(zhe),可以歸咎于奔跑、長(chang)途(tu)遷徙。手部骨(gu)(gu)頭(tou)的(de)壓(ya)力(li)性(xing)(xing)(xing)(xing)骨(gu)(gu)折(zhe)(zhe),極(ji)可能導因(yin)于捕抓(zhua)獵物(wu)而(er)受傷(shang)(shang)。這些壓(ya)力(li)性(xing)(xing)(xing)(xing)骨(gu)(gu)折(zhe)(zhe)、肌腱(jian)撕裂(lie)(lie)傷(shang)(shang)跡象,顯示特(te)暴(bao)龍常(chang)(chang)因(yin)為(wei)捕抓(zhua)獵物(wu)而(er)受傷(shang)(shang),而(er)非(fei)吞食尸體。
在(zai)1946年,一(yi)(yi)個(ge)(ge)蘇聯與(yu)蒙古(gu)挖(wa)掘團隊(dui)在(zai)蒙古(gu)南(nan)戈(ge)壁省的耐梅蓋(gai)特組(zu)發現(xian)一(yi)(yi)個(ge)(ge)接近完整的絕大部分大型(xing)頭顱骨與(yu)一(yi)(yi)些(xie)脊椎骨,屬于一(yi)(yi)個(ge)(ge)大型(xing)的獸(shou)腳類恐(kong)龍。
在1955年(nian),蘇聯古生物學家葉甫根尼(ni)·馬列(lie)夫(Evgeny Maleev)將這正(zheng)模標本(PIN 551-1)建立為暴龍的一個種,勇士暴龍(Tyrannosaurus bataar)。種名баатар/baatar在蒙(meng)古語中意為"勇士",但被誤拼為bataar。
同(tong)年(nian),馬列夫將3個(ge)獸腳類的(de)化石敘述并(bing)命名,三者(zhe)都是頭顱骨(gu),外加部分(fen)身體,全是同(tong)一個(ge)挖掘團隊在1948到(dao)49年(nian)間發現的(de)。第一個(ge)(編(bian)號PIN 551-2)被建立為新屬,埃夫雷莫(mo)夫特暴龍(T. efremovi),ταρβο?/tarbos在希臘文文中(zhong)意為"恐怖的(de)"、"敬畏的(de)",而σαυρο?/saurus意為"蜥蜴",種名是以(yi)蘇(su)聯古生物學家兼科(ke)幻小(xiao)說作者(zhe)伊凡·埃夫雷莫(mo)夫(Ivan Yefremov)為名。另外兩(liang)個(ge)(編(bian)號PIN 553-1與(yu)(yu)PIN 552-2)被歸類于北美洲的(de)蛇發女怪龍,G. lancinator與(yu)(yu)G. novojilovi。這三個(ge)標本都小(xiao)于1946年(nian)發現的(de)標本。
自(zi)從蘇聯與(yu)蒙古的(de)(de)挖掘團隊在(zai)40年(nian)代(dai)的(de)(de)挖掘過后,一(yi)個波蘭與(yu)蒙古的(de)(de)挖掘團隊再(zai)度回到(dao)戈壁(bi)沙漠挖掘,從1963年(nian)持續到(dao)1971年(nian),發(fa)現(xian)了(le)許多新的(de)(de)化石,并在(zai)耐梅(mei)蓋特組(zu)發(fa)現(xian)了(le)特暴(bao)龍(long)的(de)(de)新標(biao)本。
在1965年,蘇聯古生物學家阿納(na)托利·康斯(si)(si)坦(tan)丁(ding)諾維奇·羅(luo)特杰斯(si)(si)特文斯(si)(si)基(Anatoly Konstantinovich Rozhdestvensky)認為馬(ma)列夫所發現的(de)標本(ben),其(qi)實(shi)是同(tong)種(zhong)動(dong)物的(de)不(bu)同(tong)生長階段(duan),而(er)且不(bu)同(tong)于北美洲的(de)暴龍。
1979年(nian),董(dong)枝明在根據(ju)欒川(chuan)(chuan)縣發掘到五顆大型牙齒命名為(wei)巒川(chuan)(chuan)暴(bao)龍(long)(long)(long)(Tyrannosaurus luanchuanensis)和霸(ba)王龍(long)(long)(long)相似種(zhong)(Tyrannosaurus cf. T. rex )的動物后來(lai)就被改為(wei)欒川(chuan)(chuan)特(te)(te)暴(bao)龍(long)(long)(long)等,而欒川(chuan)(chuan)特(te)(te)暴(bao)龍(long)(long)(long)實際也不能(neng)成立,因(yin)為(wei)后來(lai)的研究把它歸入(ru)了勇士特(te)(te)暴(bao)龍(long)(long)(long),認為(wei)它實際只是(shi)勇士特(te)(te)暴(bao)龍(long)(long)(long)的青年(nian)個體。在欒川(chuan)(chuan)特(te)(te)暴(bao)龍(long)(long)(long)發現(xian)之前,廣東河(he)源發現(xian)過特(te)(te)暴(bao)龍(long)(long)(long)未定種(zhong)的化石(shi)。發現(xian)欒川(chuan)(chuan)特(te)(te)暴(bao)龍(long)(long)(long)的秋(qiu)扒(ba)組(zu)巖(yan)石(shi),秋(qiu)扒(ba)組(zu)巖(yan)石(shi)是(shi)分布在潭頭盆地(di)欒川(chuan)(chuan)縣一帶的白(bai)堊紀晚期(qi)(qi)地(di)層,是(shi)由紫紅色的砂泥巖(yan)構成,最底(di)部含(han)有磚紅色的礫石(shi),其他發現(xian)過特(te)(te)暴(bao)龍(long)(long)(long)的地(di)層也都屬于(yu)白(bai)堊紀晚期(qi)(qi)。
在1986年,雖(sui)然(ran)已(yi)經發現許多(duo)特(te)暴(bao)龍標本(ben),但(dan)很(hen)少(shao)已(yi)確(que)定(ding)的(de)(de)明確(que)資料,特(te)暴(bao)龍被推論(lun)與(yu)(yu)其他(ta)暴(bao)龍科(ke)(ke)恐龍有(you)許多(duo)共同特(te)征(zheng)。這些相(xiang)近的(de)(de)特(te)征(zheng)讓(rang)某些科(ke)(ke)學家(jia)提出當(dang)時的(de)(de)北美洲與(yu)(yu)歐亞大陸之(zhi)間有(you)可能的(de)(de)連結(jie),也許是陸橋。他(ta)將四(si)個(ge)標本(ben)與(yu)(yu)新發現的(de)(de)化石,統合(he)為勇士(shi)特(te)暴(bao)龍(T.bataar)。后(hou)來(lai)的(de)(de)研究人員都同意(yi)羅特(te)杰斯特(te)文斯基的(de)(de)分類,包含馬列(lie)夫在內(nei),但(dan)少(shao)數(shu)科(ke)(ke)學家(jia)使用埃(ai)夫雷莫夫特(te)暴(bao)龍,而非勇士(shi)特(te)暴(bao)龍。
在1992年,美國古生物(wu)學家肯(ken)尼(ni)思·卡彭特(Kenneth Carpenter)重新檢驗(yan)這些化石,他根(gen)據頭(tou)顱骨(gu)的相似處,提出這些化石大(da)部分屬于暴龍(long)(long)(long),并將勇(yong)士(shi)特暴龍(long)(long)(long)改回勇(yong)士(shi)暴龍(long)(long)(long);而蛇發女(nv)怪(guai)龍(long)(long)(long)的G. novojilovi是(shi)個較小型的暴龍(long)(long)(long)科動(dong)物(wu),另外建(jian)立為馬列(lie)夫龍(long)(long)(long)(Maleevosaurus novojilovi)。
在1995年,喬治·奧利(li)舍夫(fu)斯基(George Olshevsky)建(jian)立了(le)勇(yong)士成(cheng)吉思(si)汗(han)(han)龍(Jenghizkhan bataar),取代(dai)勇(yong)士特暴龍,并(bing)以(yi)成(cheng)吉思(si)汗(han)(han)為(wei)名;他并(bing)提出埃夫(fu)雷莫夫(fu)特暴龍、馬(ma)列(lie)夫(fu)龍、勇(yong)士成(cheng)吉思(si)汗(han)(han)龍是三(san)個獨立的屬(shu),都(dou)生(sheng)存于相(xiang)同時期(qi)的耐梅蓋特組(zu)。
在1999年(nian),一個研究提出馬列夫龍是(shi)特(te)暴龍的幼(you)年(nian)個體。自從1999年(nian)以(yi)來,所有的研究認為(wei)這些化(hua)石皆為(wei)同種動物,勇士特(te)暴龍或是(shi)勇士暴龍。
在(zai)1993年到(dao)1998年,日本(ben)與(yu)蒙古(gu)的挖掘團隊,以及21世(shi)紀初(chu),加拿大(da)古(gu)生物(wu)學家菲力·柯爾(Phil Currie)的挖掘小組,也(ye)發現了許多特(te)暴龍(long)化(hua)石。不算上私人(ren)收藏的標(biao)本(ben),已發現了至(zhi)少(shao)37個(ge)標(biao)本(ben),包(bao)含超過15個(ge)完(wan)整(zheng)(zheng)和(he)部分的頭顱(lu)骨化(hua)石,與(yu)至(zhi)少(shao)5個(ge)完(wan)整(zheng)(zheng)的顱(lu)后骨骸。
21世紀初(chu),廣東河源盆(pen)地(di)也出土過大(da)型獸腳類(lei)(lei)的大(da)型暴(bao)(bao)龍類(lei)(lei)牙齒(chi)化(hua)石,推(tui)測可能是特暴(bao)(bao)龍。
特(te)暴龍(long)的(de)(de)大部分化石,是成(cheng)年(nian)(nian)(nian)或亞(ya)成(cheng)年(nian)(nian)(nian)個體(ti),很少發現幼(you)(you)年(nian)(nian)(nian)個體(ti)的(de)(de)化石。在2006年(nian)(nian)(nian)發現的(de)(de)一個幼(you)(you)年(nian)(nian)(nian)個體(ti)身體(ti)骨骼,帶有(you)完(wan)整的(de)(de)頭顱骨,頭部長度為29厘(li)米,使(shi)得古(gu)生(sheng)物學家可(ke)以(yi)研究特(te)暴龍(long)的(de)(de)生(sheng)長模式。這個幼(you)(you)年(nian)(nian)(nian)個體(ti)化石,死亡時的(de)(de)年(nian)(nian)(nian)齡大約(yue)是2到3歲。與(yu)成(cheng)年(nian)(nian)(nian)個體(ti)相比,這個幼(you)(you)年(nian)(nian)(nian)頭顱骨的(de)(de)結構虛(xu)弱,牙齒較細,顯示特(te)暴龍(long)的(de)(de)幼(you)(you)年(nian)(nian)(nian)個體(ti)、成(cheng)年(nian)(nian)(nian)個體(ti)占據不同的(de)(de)生(sheng)態位,以(yi)免競爭(zheng)相同食(shi)物來源。