A team of Chinese paleontologists has made a groundbreaking discovery, identifying a new species of tyrannosaur that roamed the Earth during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 72 to 66 million years ago.
Researchers from the Zhejiang Museum of Natural History have named the dinosaur Asiatyrannus xui in honor of Xu Xing, a renowned Chinese scientist dedicated to dinosaur research. The naming pays tribute to Xu’s significant contributions to the field of paleontology.
The fossil specimen, unearthed in southeastern China, includes a nearly complete skull, tail vertebrae, and hind limb bones. According to Zheng Wenjie, a researcher from the museum, this marks the first discovery of a deep-snouted tyrannosaur in the region, shedding new light on the diversity and distribution of tyrannosaurs in Asia.
“The discovery of Asiatyrannus xui provides invaluable insights into the evolutionary history of tyrannosaurs,” said Zheng. “It helps us understand how these magnificent creatures adapted to their environments and how they spread across different parts of Asia.”
The find not only enriches the scientific understanding of dinosaur evolution but also highlights the rich paleontological heritage of the Chinese mainland. The research team hopes that this discovery will inspire further exploration and study of prehistoric life in the region.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
