Researchers from Britain and the USA have announced the discovery of a new ancestor or close relative of the Tyrannosaurus rex, found in New Mexico and dating back 74 million years. This newly identified carnivorous dinosaur is notable for being surprisingly large, approximately 80% the size of the largest known T-rex specimens. The discovery was detailed in a study published in the journal Scientific Reports.

The finding consists of a shin bone unearthed in the Hunter Wash area, which leads scientists to believe that it belongs to a lineage of dinosaurs that are direct ancestors to the T-rex. Johan Lindgren, a lecturer at Lund University, commented on the significance of the find, suggesting it provides important insights into the evolutionary history of one of the most famous dinosaurs known to science.

This discovery not only enhances our understanding of the evolutionary line that led to the T-rex but may also reshape our perceptions of the size and characteristics of the dinosaurs that roamed North America during the late Cretaceous period. Given its size and age, this newly discovered dinosaur may shed light on how these predatory giants adapted and evolved over millions of years, contributing to a richer picture of prehistoric life on the continent.