New Fossils Fill Gap in Tyrannosaurus rex Evolution
Scientists have unveiled new fossils of a small tyrannosaur that are shedding light on the evolution of the notorious Tyrannosaurus rex. These fossils were discovered by boaters on the shore of New Mexico’s largest reservoir in the 1980s and have now been meticulously studied by researchers from various universities and the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science.
The findings reveal a new subspecies of tyrannosaur believed to be an older and more primitive relative of the T. rex. Named Tyrannosaurus mcraeensis, this newly identified subspecies is a crucial addition to the scientific record, filling a gap in our understanding of the species’ evolution.
Although the differences between the new subspecies and the iconic T. rex are subtle, this is common among closely related species. However, it is worth noting that the analysis conducted by the researchers suggests that Tyrannosaurus mcraeensis actually predates the T. rex by up to 7 million years, making it a side-branch in the species’ evolutionary timeline.
This discovery has tremendous significance, as it reveals that tyrannosaurs were present in North America much earlier than previously believed. It raises questions about the origins of Asian tyrannosaurs, since the closest relatives of the T. rex were found in southern North America.
In order to acquire further insights into the evolution of tyrannosaurs, the researchers are eagerly hoping for the discovery of more fossils from the same region. Specifically, they emphasize the need to explore the Hall Lake Formation in southern New Mexico, which could potentially unlock additional secrets about these magnificent creatures.
The team’s findings have generated excitement among paleontologists, as it demonstrates that the Tyrannosaurus rex lineage has more complex roots than previously understood. By continuing to uncover fossils from this region, scientists anticipate unraveling even more about the journey of these fearsome predators and their place in Earth’s history.
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