Title: New Study Discovers Older, More Primitive Tyrannosaur Species in North America
In an exciting breakthrough, researchers from various institutions have published a study in Scientific Reports that sheds light on the origins of Tyrannosaurus rex in North America. The study introduces a newly discovered subspecies of tyrannosaur called Tyrannosaurus mcraeensis, which is believed to be older and more primitive than the iconic T. rex, yet roughly the same size.
The study was primarily based on a partial skull found in western New Mexico, which is currently displayed at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science. Collaboration between researchers from the University of Bath, NMMNHS, University of Utah, The George Washington University, Harrisburg University, Penn State Lehigh Valley, and the University of Alberta contributed to the groundbreaking findings.
The most significant revelation from this discovery is that T. rex existed in North America millions of years earlier than previously believed. The subtle differences observed between the newly identified species and known T. rex skeletons indicate that the New Mexico tyrannosaur represents a distinct species altogether.
While it is unlikely that Tyrannosaurus mcraeensis directly descended from T. rex, its existence hints at the potential presence of other undiscovered tyrannosaur species. This revelation marks a significant expansion in our knowledge of these apex predators. The findings suggest that such creatures roamed what is now the southern United States at least 72 million years ago.
Traditionally, it was thought that T. rex originated in southern North America and migrated to the western parts of the continent. However, the fossils found in New Mexico indicate that larger and more advanced species of tyrannosaurs evolved in the southern United States compared to regions like Montana and Canada. This discovery raises intriguing questions about the unique evolutionary path followed by dinosaurs in the south, especially regarding their larger sizes compared to their northern counterparts.
The study has also put forth the theory that the spread of giant tyrannosaurs and giant horned dinosaurs towards the end of the Cretaceous Period in North America may have been driven by the abundance of food provided by the horned dinosaurs. This finding challenges conventional wisdom and further emphasizes the need for continued research on Tyrannosaurus rex and other related species.
The study, titled “A giant tyrannosaur from the Campanian-Maastrichtian of southern North America and the evolution of tyrannosaurid gigantism,” was authored by an esteemed team of scientists including Sebastian G. Dalman, Mark A. Loewen, R. Alexander Pyron, Steven E. Jasinski, D. Edward Malinzak, Spencer G. Lucas, Anthony R. Fiorillo, Philip J. Currie, and Nicholas R. Longrich. Its publication date was January 11, 2024.
As we delve deeper into the mysteries of these prehistoric creatures, this groundbreaking research reminds us that there is still much to learn about the fascinating world of Tyrannosaurus rex and its counterparts.
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