The recent discovery of a new species of dinosaur has sparked excitement and curiosity among scientists and paleontologists. The newly identified species, named Thanatotheristes degrootorum, is believed to have roamed the Earth approximately 79 million years ago.
The fossilized remains of this carnivorous dinosaur were found in the Canadian province of Alberta by a team of researchers from the University of Calgary. The discovery was made in 2010, but it wasn’t until recently that the species was officially identified and named.
According to the lead researcher, Dr. Jared Voris, the name Thanatotheristes degrootorum translates to “reaper of death” in Greek, and is a nod to the dinosaur’s predatory nature. The species is estimated to have been about 8 meters long and weighed around 2,000 kilograms.
What makes this discovery even more significant is that it is the first new species of tyrannosaur to be identified in Canada in over 50 years. The last one was the Albertosaurus, which was discovered in 1970.
The team of researchers was able to identify the species by analyzing the unique features of the fossilized skull, including its long and narrow snout, and its sharp and serrated teeth. These characteristics set it apart from other known tyrannosaur species.
The discovery of Thanatotheristes degrootorum sheds new light on the evolution and diversity of tyrannosaurs. It also adds to the growing body of evidence that suggests that these apex predators were more widespread and diverse than previously thought.
The findings of this study have been published in the journal Cretaceous Research and have already garnered attention from the scientific community. The team hopes that further research on this species will provide a better understanding of the ancient ecosystems in which it lived.
This discovery serves as a reminder of the importance of continued exploration and research in the field of paleontology. It is a testament to the fact that there are still many mysteries waiting to be uncovered in our planet’s past.
