Paleontologists have found a new dinosaur species that lived about 77 million years ago and turned out to be an unusual relative of T. rex. Scientists discovered features of two tyrannosaurid groups at once, which could change ideas about the evolution of these predators. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.
Description of the new species
The new species has been named Tromerosaurus solumons. It inhabited the territory of modern Canada, reached about 8 meters in length and moved on long, slender legs. Its bones were discovered in the south of Alberta province.
Connection to The Hobbit
Notably, the name of the new species contains a reference to The Hobbit. Tromerosaurus translates as "terrible lizard," while solumons means "lonely mountain." The latter name is linked both to the horn above the dinosaur's eye and to the Lonely Mountain from Tolkien's universe, where the dragon Smaug lived.
Two groups of tyrannosaurids
Tyrannosaurids are divided into two main groups. The first includes massive predators with relatively long skulls, including the famous T. rex. Representatives of the second group, albertosaurines, were lighter and had shorter skulls. The new species was found to have features of both groups.
Unique skull structure
Researchers noted its unique skull structure. In the front part of the upper jaw, they found an opening characteristic of tyrannosaurines, while a small sinus system resembles Gorgosaurus, a representative of albertosaurines.
Earlier, Kursiv LifeStyle reported that paleontologists had described a new species of feathered dinosaurs that had four limbs covered in feathers at once. The remains were found in northeastern China.