New Dinosaur Discovery in New Mexico Alters North American Timeline
12.01.2024 posted by Admin
A recent breakthrough in paleontology has unveiled a new dinosaur species calling New Mexico home. Notably, this discovery is reshaping our understanding of the timeline for dinosaur existence in North America.
Dr. Anthony Fiorillo, the executive director of the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, expressed, "This discovery has been in the works for decades." A fossil discovered in southwestern New Mexico is a significant part of a Tyrannosaurus rex skull, marking the identification of a new species.
Sebastian Dolman, the lead author on the project, shared his enthusiasm, stating, "This confirmation of a new species prompted me to involve other researchers and expand the scope of this project."
The fossil, initially found by members of the public in 1983 at Elephant Butte reservoir in Las Cruces, has been subject to study by various scientists over the years. Dr. Spencer Lucus, a co-author of the project, explained, "The jawbone fragment was discovered by locals boating on the lake's eastern shore. Since then, numerous researchers have delved into its secrets."
The newfound species is named Tyrannosaurus mcraeensis, and it predates any other known T. rex specimen by approximately five million years. This places Tyrannosaurus mcraeensis as an older relative to the more familiar T. rex we commonly recognize.
Over time, researchers uncovered volcanic ash beds in the rock layers containing the fossil. Lucus remarked, "Through obtaining numerical ages from these ash beds, we can now confidently assert that the fossil is between 72 to 73 million years old."
An artist's depiction provides insight into the potential appearance of this dinosaur, estimating a height of 40 feet and a length of 12 feet. Scientists note subtle differences in jaw structures, reinforcing the significance of this discovery for New Mexico's dinosaur legacy.
Fiorillo emphasized, "Science is an ongoing process. Each new discovery compels us to revisit and question our existing knowledge." For those eager to witness this extraordinary fossil, it is currently on display at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, inviting the public to engage with this captivating piece of prehistoric history.
Dr. Anthony Fiorillo, the executive director of the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, expressed, "This discovery has been in the works for decades." A fossil discovered in southwestern New Mexico is a significant part of a Tyrannosaurus rex skull, marking the identification of a new species.
Sebastian Dolman, the lead author on the project, shared his enthusiasm, stating, "This confirmation of a new species prompted me to involve other researchers and expand the scope of this project."
The fossil, initially found by members of the public in 1983 at Elephant Butte reservoir in Las Cruces, has been subject to study by various scientists over the years. Dr. Spencer Lucus, a co-author of the project, explained, "The jawbone fragment was discovered by locals boating on the lake's eastern shore. Since then, numerous researchers have delved into its secrets."
The newfound species is named Tyrannosaurus mcraeensis, and it predates any other known T. rex specimen by approximately five million years. This places Tyrannosaurus mcraeensis as an older relative to the more familiar T. rex we commonly recognize.
Over time, researchers uncovered volcanic ash beds in the rock layers containing the fossil. Lucus remarked, "Through obtaining numerical ages from these ash beds, we can now confidently assert that the fossil is between 72 to 73 million years old."
An artist's depiction provides insight into the potential appearance of this dinosaur, estimating a height of 40 feet and a length of 12 feet. Scientists note subtle differences in jaw structures, reinforcing the significance of this discovery for New Mexico's dinosaur legacy.
Fiorillo emphasized, "Science is an ongoing process. Each new discovery compels us to revisit and question our existing knowledge." For those eager to witness this extraordinary fossil, it is currently on display at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, inviting the public to engage with this captivating piece of prehistoric history.