In a groundbreaking discovery, paleontologist Sebastian Dalman and team introduce us to Tyrannosaurus mcraeensis, a formidable carnivore that may be the closest known relative to the iconic Tyrannosaurus rex. Described in Scientific Reports, this newly identified species, hailing from North America, predates T. rex by around five million years.
The distinction of T. mcraeensis emerged through meticulous examination of fossilized skull parts, originally found at the Hall Lake Formation in New Mexico. Despite its initial classification as T. rex, subtle differences in skull bone shapes and joints led the researchers to identify it as a distinct species.
Reigning between 71 and 73 million years ago, T. mcraeensis coexisted with its colossal herbivorous counterparts on the island continent of Laramidia, ranging from modern-day Alaska to Mexico. Dalman suggests this intriguing dinosaur could signify the moment when the Tyrannosaurus genus experimented with a giant body, setting the stage for the iconic T. rex.
Join us on a journey through time as we uncover the mysteries of T. mcraeensis, a remarkable piece in the evolutionary puzzle of these colossal predators.”
Around 72 million years ago, the Tyrannosaurini lineage embarked on an evolutionary journey toward giant body sizes, standing alongside other colossal dinosaurs from southern Laramidia, such as ceratopsians, hadrosaurs, and titanosaurs,’ reveals Mr. Dalman.
This groundbreaking discovery not only adds a fascinating chapter to the Tyrannosaurini saga but may have also resolved the longstanding debate about the origin of the most famous dinosaur of all time. While competing theories suggested T. rex might have evolved in Asia, the evidence now strongly points to the tyrant lizard king emerging from the landscapes of Western North America.
Join us as we delve into the ancient realms of colossal dinosaurs, unraveling the mysteries of their evolution and solidifying the Western North American roots of the iconic T. rex.