New Dinosaur Discovery Reshapes T.rex Family Tree

In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists have identified a new species of dinosaur that is reshaping our understanding of tyrannosaur evolution. Named Khankhuuluu mongoliensis, meaning 'Dragon Prince of Mongolia', this 86 million-year-old species has been determined to be the closest known ancestor of all tyrannosaurs, including the iconic Tyrannosaurus rex.

The discovery was made by examining two partial skeletons housed in a Mongolian museum. Initially misclassified as a known species, Alectrosaurus, closer scrutiny revealed distinctive features that set it apart as a new species. Khankhuuluu represents a crucial evolutionary link between the small, fleet-footed early tyrannosaurs of the Jurassic period and the massive apex predators that dominated the late Cretaceous.

Weighing approximately 750kg, Khankhuuluu was significantly smaller than its descendant T.rex, which could weigh up to eight times as much. However, it exhibited early stages of key tyrannosaur adaptations, particularly in its skull anatomy. These features, including nasal bone structures, would eventually contribute to the powerful bite force that made later tyrannosaurs such formidable predators.

This discovery not only helps to revise the tyrannosaur family tree but also provides insights into the biogeography of these dinosaurs. The ability of tyrannosaurs to move between North America and Asia via land bridges connecting Siberia and Alaska played a crucial role in their diversification and evolution over millions of years.