INDOMINUS
With a name meaning "fierce or untamable king", the Indominus rex (in-dom-ee-nuss rex) was one of the largest land carnivores to ever live. It is the penultimate member of its group, with only one species being more advanced than this fearsome predator.
Original Discovery
Indominus was discovered in 2012 by a geneticist named Henry Wu. Having already discovered a new plant species in 1997, Dr. Wu was a familiar name in the world of paleobotany. However, the unveiling of the Indominus rex, presented by Verizon Wireless, ensured that Henry Wu joined the ranks of famous paleontologists such as Alan Grant and the late Robert Burke.
Physical Appearance
The Indominus shares similar characteristics with many different species. In body shape, it most closely resembles a Tyrannosaurus, albeit with longer arms that end in hands tipped with scythe-like claws, similar to Therizinosaurus. The creature also possesses opposable thumbs, a feature not found in any species of dinosaur. The size and head ornamentation of the animal are comparable to Giganotosaurus and Carnotaurus respectively, while the osteoderms along the body are very similar to those seen in abelisaurs such as Majungasaurus and Rugops. The animal also appears to have had quill-like feathers running down the back of its neck and arms. The purpose of these structures is unknown.
Ecology
In addition to the many predator features present in the animals skeleton, studies show that the Indominus had several soft structures that would have helped catch prey more efficiently. Analyses of the skull indicates that the Indominus had the ability to detect heat signatures, similarly to many modern snakes. The brain case is also enormous when compared to the rest of the body, suggesting a level of intelligence that would rival modern great apes. Possibly the most interesting fact that is known about the animal has been inferred from the few rare skin impressions. These impressions seem to indicate that the Indominus had the ability to change its coloration, akin to modern cuttlefish. No other dinosaur is known to have possessed this ability.
Extinction
It is not entirely clear why the Indominus went extinct. It is unlikely that such an adaptable creature would be out competed by any other predator. However, it is possible that the Indominus was wiped out by an external factor, such as a meteor strike. We may never know the answer.
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Image Credits
All images have had minor cropping in order to fit the space required
All images are used under Fair Use laws
Credits are listed in order of appearance: Top to Bottom and Left to Right
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Indominus looking up
Original film by: Universal Studios
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Indominus rex Skeleton
Original model by: VI models
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Indominus on Main Street
Original film by: Universal Studios
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Indominus vs Ankylosaurus
Original film by: Universal Studios
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Indominus
Original film by: Universal Studios