House backs naming paluxysaurus official dinosaur of Texas
The Texas House approved a resolution to replace the state dinosaur of Texas on Thursday — but not before finding an excuse for dress-up and toys. The new state dinosaur would be Paluxysaurus (pal-ux-ee-SORE-us) jonesi, named after the Paulxy River where the dinosaur's fossils were found and Texas' fossil-rich Jones Ranch.
By MARCUS FUNK
The Dallas Morning News
AUSTIN – Jurassic Park, move over. The Texas House found a new way to resurrect dinosaur drama while debating a new official state dinosaur on Thursday.
The incumbent pleurocoelus has held the distinguished title for more than a decade, following its discovery near the Paluxy River near Glen Rose.
But nipping at its reptilian heels are Southern Methodist University researchers, who claim that further study shows it's not a pleurocoelus at all, but a new species named paluxysaurus jonesi.
It's a finding that curators at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History hope to feature in an exhibit this fall. . .
With a vote of 132 to 1, the House approved the measure (to name paluxysaurus jonesi the state dinosaur).
The resolution now heads to the Senate.
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