How Can You Tell The Difference Between A Male And Female Dinosaur?

Scientists have not been able to prove conclusively the differences between the females and males in dinosaur species. For that matter, 'sexual dimorphism' in dinosaurs, or a variation between sexes, is only a hypothesis, although likely a pretty solid one. Scientists have judged that because living vertebrates show sexual dimorphism, it is likely that dinosaurs did also.

There has been much research into establishing the sexes of dinosaurs. This work is made easier when there are many specimens. For instance, skeletal remains of the dinosaur Coelophysis have been found in the hundreds in North America. The scientist Colbert has postulated that the adult specimens of Coelophysis show sexual dimorphism. The male is thought to have a larger skull, longer neck, and shorter forelimbs then the female. Colbert argues that the male has the distinguishing characteristic of fused vertebrate at the hips. Colbert acknowledges, however that this judgement is not for certain. Just as human individuals exhibit countless unique physical traits, it is possible that dinosaurs did also. Their physical characteristics may simply be a mark of individual, rather than sexual differences. However, birds and other animals have distinct sexual differences, and by studying them, scientists can at least form educated theories about dinosaurs.

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