New Dinosaur Considered T. Rex's Closest Relative Discovered 30 Years After Being Displayed in New Mexico Museum
Paleontologists just discovered a new dinosaur. The discovery was surprising as they initially thought it was a Tyrannosaurus rex but later realized it was just a close relative.
New Dinosaur Discovered
In a new study, paleontologist Sebastian Dalman and associates discovered a new dinosaur called Tyrannosaurus mcraeensis in New Mexico's Hall Lake Formation. A portion of the fossilized skull was examined to learn more about the species. They learned that the new dinosaur species was the closest relative to the notorious T rex.
Initially, they thought that the dinosaur remains displayed in a museum for 30 years belonged to a T.rex, but considering the resemblances, more investigation revealed their assumption was wrong. There were a few minor variations between these remnants and a T. rex, which includes a somewhat altered jawbone structure.
Additionally, in contrast to T.rex, it seems the species flourished during a distinct period. T. mcraeensis is thought to have existed between 71 and 73 million years ago or between 5 and 7 million years before T rex.
The predator measured around 40 feet in length and 12 feet in height. It was about the same size as the T rex.
The discovery was somewhat unexpected because, contrary to their initial assumptions, the animal wasn't a late Maastrichtian or a Tyrannosaurus rex, as shown by the available data.
"This animal was right in front of us-it was on display in the museum in Albuquerque-and we didn't recognize what it was for more than 30 years," said Nick Longrich, a co-author of the paper who is with the Milner Center for Evolution at the U.K.'s University of Bath.
Paleontologists were convinced that the new species was not a direct ancestor of T. rex. Instead, it is likely a sister species.
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More About T. Rex: The Fiercest Predator
Tyrannosaurus rex was among the scariest predators to have ever roamed the planet. During the late Cretaceous period, 68 million years ago, this well-known carnivore ruled the forested river valleys of western North America.
It had a large bulk, keen fangs, and jaws so strong they could smash an automobile. Although they have been a household name, our knowledge about them always evolves. Technological advances, such as X-ray imaging and biomechanical modeling, have given scientists a better knowledge of this apex predator's lifestyle.
This vicious predator had a rigid skull that allowed it to concentrate all of its muscle power into a single bite, producing up to six tons of pressure and perfectly shaped for crushing through its prey. This dinosaur pierced and gripped flesh with its 60 serrated teeth, each measuring around eight inches, then threw its prey into the air before consuming it whole. Like an alligator, the enormous animal had vents in its skull to assist its brain in staying cool so it wouldn't overheat while tearing through prey with its powerful jaws.
T. rex had an excellent sense of smell, which helped it locate its prey. However, researchers have long known that this dinosaur dedicated a significant chunk of its brain to processing scent.
The purpose of the relatively small arms is a topic of discussion among experts. Some speculate that the animal's arms performed non-predatory functions like assisting it in gripping a mate or that they were an evolutionary remnant, similar to a snake's pelvic bones. Others claim that T rex's four-inch claws can cause severe wounds, so his limbs may have been designed for "vicious slashing" in close quarters.
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