How Newly Discovered Tyrannosaur Relative “Prince of Dragons” Set T. rex Up to Rule

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This summer’s top film, “Jurassic World Rebirth” (tickets available from July 2!), continues the story five years after the events of “Jurassic World Dominion” (now streaming on Peacock!). Dinosaurs are once again roaming freely, having regained a role in Earth’s ecosystem, but they face challenges as the planet has undergone significant changes over the past 66 million years or so.

Though numerous species have become extinct, some thrive in niche habitats worldwide. Zora Bennett (Scarlett Johansson) leads a team to a secluded research facility on Ile Sant-Hubert, an island, for the retrieval of genetic material from the last surviving large species. It’s hypothesized that these samples could lead to groundbreaking medical advancements. Throughout their journey, they uncover undiscovered species, including a genetically altered Tyrannosaurus rex, referred to as Distortus Rex.

For More on Dinosaurs

1. Introducing the Fire Fowl, a recently found avian-like dinosaur species!

2. The Lokiceratops, a recently discovered dinosaur with horns, has been named after a Norse deity and a Marvel character!

3. Researchers may have finally uncovered the origins of the T. rex!

In our actual world, we’re still discovering new dinosaur species, although they’re not as lively as before. More recently, paleontologists have revealed the fossilized remains of a new dinosaur species called Khankhuuluu mongoliensis, which appears to be closely related to famous Tyrannosaurs such as T. rex.

The newly discovered “Prince of Dragons” laid the prehistoric foundation for the T. rex

The fossil was discovered in the lower section of the Bayanshiree Formation, situated in southeastern Mongolia, during the 1970s. Subsequently, it ended up at Mongolia’s Institute of Paleontology where it lay relatively untouched for about half a century. During that period, paleontologists believed it to be an Alectrosaurus, a dinosaur species already recognized from Asia.

2023 found me, as a gamer, deeply intrigued by a groundbreaking research led by Jared Voris, a PhD student at the University of Calgary, and Dr. Darla Zelenitsky, a researcher from the same institution. Their work showcased unique characteristics that distinguished it from its predatory counterparts, a discovery so significant it was published in the prestigious journal “Nature”.

Approximately 86 million years ago, during a period when giant predators had recently become extinct, creating vacant niches in the ecosystem, Khankhuuluu emerged as a medium-sized predator to fill those gaps. This creature was only around one-third or half the size of a fully grown Tyrannosaurus rex, but it paved the way for its larger and more well-known descendants.

According to Voris, this recently discovered species offers us a glimpse into the progression phase of Tyrannosaurus evolution; a time when they were changing from being smaller hunters to becoming top-tier predators.

As a captivated admirer, I find it fascinating that the unique characteristic of Khankhuuluu, subtly adorning its visage, are these tiny horns situated slightly above the eye sockets. These very horns would later grow significantly more pronounced in species such as Albertosaurus and Gorgosaurus. I can only imagine their original purpose was to instill a sense of fear among rivals and captivate potential romantic interests. Yet, before that time, this enigmatic figure laid the groundwork for T. rex to reign supreme over prehistory.

According to Professor Zelenitsky, who specializes in paleontology, Khankhuuluu or a similar species likely migrated from Asia to North America approximately 85 million years ago. This migration, our research suggests, is what triggered the initial development of large Tyrannosaurs within North America.

Approximately twenty million years following the emergence of Khankhuuluu, its offspring had come to rule over the Cretaceous terrain. However, this reign ended abruptly with the arrival of the asteroid that ultimately signaled the end of the dinosaur era.

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2025-06-19 19:46