Paleontologist from the University of Kalgary in Canada, Professor Darla Zelenitsky and graduate student Jared Voris, who led the study with her, said that in the 1970s, when these remains were first found in Mongolia, they were mistakenly attributed to another species. Then it was believed that they belong to the already well -known alectrosaurus.
However, during a new analysis, a number of characteristic features of tyrannosaurides were discovered, which forced to reconsider the family tree of tyrannosaurs. The results obtained, scientists say, rewrite the evolution of dinosaurs.
Tyranosaurians are the supernomial of meat -bearing dinosaurs, which moved on two legs. The newly discovered species is a transitional between small representatives of the type of Jurassic period, who lived in the shade of other predators, to powerful giants, in particular the iconic t.rex. He was called Khankhuulu Mongoliensis, which means “dragon prince of Mongolia.”
Individuals of the species could weigh approximately 750 kg, which is eight times smaller than the adult T.rex. The structure of the skull Khankhuulu already had signs of a powerful jaw, the development of which made it possible for representatives of the appearance to attack large prey and even bite the bones.
Scientists suggest that this group of dinosaurs could move between North America and Asia. According to researchers, such a movement between continents has contributed to the evolution of different tyrannosaur groups for millions of years.
“This discovery demonstrates that before the tyrannosaurs became kings, they were princes,” Zelenitsky noted.
