Ji, Q., Ji, S.A., Zhang, L.J. (2009) First large tyrannosaurid theropod from the Early Cretaceous Jehol Biote in northeastern China. Geological Bulletin of China 28 (10) 1369:1374

Abstract: An incomplete theropod skeleton including partial skull, mandibles, ilia was collected from Early Cretaeous Jiufotang Formation of Kazuo County, western Liaoning Province. It can be estimated that this theropod may reach 9~10 meters in total length. It should be classified whitin Tyrannosauroidae by its tall premaxillary body, median vertical ridge on the external surface of ilium. It differs from the Late Cretaceous tyrannosaurids by much large extarnal naris, sligthly concave anterior portion of maxiallary dorsal margin, maxillary fenestra reaching past the rostral margin of antiorbital fossa but keeping apart from the ventral margin of antiorbital fossa. Thus, Sinotyrannus kazuoensis gen. et sp. nov. is erected, perhaps representing the earliest member of Tyrannosauridae. This is the largest known pre-Late Cretaceous tyrannosauroid, and also the largest theropod from the Jehol Biota of western Liaoning and the adjecent regions. The discovery of this taxon not only suggest that East Asia should be one of the most important evolutionary centers of tyrannosauroids, but also provides the significant evidences for studying the origin of Tyrannosauridae, and the composition and ecosystem of the Jehol Biota.

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