The recent discovery of a new species of dinosaur has sparked excitement and curiosity among scientists and paleontologists. The fossilized remains of the dinosaur, named “Thanatotheristes degrootorum”, were found in Canada’s Alberta province.
The discovery was made by a team of researchers from the University of Calgary and the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology. The team was led by Dr. Jared Voris, a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Calgary.
According to Dr. Voris, the fossilized skull of the dinosaur is estimated to be 79.5 million years old. It is believed to be one of the oldest known species of tyrannosaurids, a group of large carnivorous dinosaurs that includes the well-known Tyrannosaurus rex.
The name “Thanatotheristes degrootorum” translates to “reaper of death” in Greek, and is a nod to the dinosaur’s sharp, serrated teeth that were used for hunting and tearing flesh. 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 tyrannosaurid to be found in Canada in over 50 years. It also adds to the growing evidence that tyrannosaurids were more diverse and widespread than previously thought.
Dr. François Therrien, curator of dinosaur paleoecology at the Royal Tyrrell Museum, stated that the discovery of “Thanatotheristes degrootorum” is a testament to the rich fossil record of Alberta and the importance of continued research in the area.
The findings of this study have been published in the journal Cretaceous Research and have already garnered attention from the scientific community. It is hoped that further research on this new species will provide valuable insights into the evolution and behavior of tyrannosaurids.
This discovery serves as a reminder that there is still so much to learn about the prehistoric world and the creatures that once roamed the Earth. It is a testament to the dedication and hard work of scientists and researchers in uncovering the mysteries of our planet’s past.
