In a groundbreaking revelation, scientists from the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science (NMMNHS) have unearthed a newfound dinosaur subspecies, believed to be an ancient and more primitive precursor to the iconic Tyrannosaurus rex. This discovery significantly reshapes the scientific narrative regarding the arrival and evolution of this formidable beast in North America.
Published in the esteemed journal “Scientific Reports,” the research introduces the newly identified subspecies, Tyrannosaurus mcraeensis, which not only predates but also mirrors the size of the T. rex. The pivotal finding emerged from a partial skull unearthed in western New Mexico, indicating that the Tyrannosaurus lineage existed in North America millions of years earlier than previously theorized.
Dr. Anthony Fiorillo, NMMNHS’s Executive Director, expressed profound pride in this discovery, remarking, “This research underscores New Mexico’s longstanding significance in Earth’s history, resonating with our museum’s commitment to exploring life’s evolutionary journey.”
Collaborating institutions included the University of Bath (UK), University of Utah, George Washington University, Harrisburg University, Penn State Lehigh Valley, and the University of Alberta, enhancing the study’s multidisciplinary approach.
Historically, the T. rex, recognized as one of history’s most formidable land predators, mysteriously emerged in North America approximately 66 million years ago, devoid of any closely related species. Sebastian Daman, a co-author and former student, reminisced, “Our initial examinations hinted at an unprecedented discovery,” fueling their rigorous investigation.
Despite the T. mcraeensis’s striking resemblance and carnivorous diet akin to the T. rex, nuanced variations in their jaw structures dispel direct ancestral connections, opening avenues for future tyrannosaur revelations.
Highlighting New Mexico’s paleontological richness, Dr. Spencer Lucas, NMMNHS’s Paleontology Curator, emphasized, “This discovery amplifies New Mexico’s fossil heritage, hinting at undiscovered dinosaur marvels awaiting revelation, both within our landscapes and museum collections.” The findings further suggest that tyrannosaurs likely roamed what is now the southern U.S. over 72 million years ago, potentially marking their evolutionary genesis before expanding across North America’s western regions.
