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.
According to experts, this newly discovered species is believed to have roamed the Earth approximately 79 million years ago during the Cretaceous period. Its name, which translates to “reaper of death”, was chosen due to its sharp, serrated teeth and large size, estimated to be about 26 feet long.
The discovery of Thanatotheristes degrootorum is significant as it is the oldest known tyrannosaur species found in Canada. It also provides valuable insight into the evolution and diversity of tyrannosaurs during the Cretaceous period.
Dr. Jared Voris, a paleontologist at the University of Calgary and lead author of the study, stated that the discovery of this new species “fills in a gap in our understanding of tyrannosaur evolution in North America.” He also added that the unique features of this species, such as its long and narrow snout, set it apart from other known tyrannosaurs.
The fossilized remains of Thanatotheristes degrootorum were found by John and Sandra De Groot, a couple who were out hiking in the area. They noticed some unusual bones sticking out of a cliff and reported it to the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology in Drumheller, Alberta.
The excavation and study of the fossilized remains took over a decade, with the team of researchers carefully piecing together the bones to reconstruct the dinosaur’s skull. The findings of this study have been published in the journal Cretaceous Research.
The discovery of Thanatotheristes degrootorum is a testament to the importance of citizen science and the role that everyday people can play in contributing to scientific discoveries. It also highlights the rich and diverse history of dinosaurs in Canada and the ongoing efforts to uncover more about these ancient creatures.
This new species adds to the growing body of knowledge about tyrannosaurs and their evolution, and it is sure to inspire further research and exploration in the field of paleontology. The discovery of Thanatotheristes degrootorum is a reminder of the wonders that can still be found buried beneath the Earth’s surface, waiting to be discovered and studied.