Recently discovered dinosaur species bridges gap between dominant predators and T. rex according to scientific researchers.
Tyrannosaur Ka-Ching! Mongolian Dragon Prince Lays Clues to T. rex's Ancestry
Out of the prehistoric wilderness of Mongolia, over 85 million years ago, a lesser-known relative of the feared Tyrannosaurus rex roamed the plains. Meet Khankhuuluu mongoliensis, the scaly prince that's shedding light on the dynasty of terror.
In a groundbreaking study published in June 2025's Nature, scientists took the wraps off this reptilian royalty, hailing it as a major turning point in tyrant lizard history.
This mid-sized monster was more than just a pretty face; dubbed the "missing link," Khankhuuluu stood toe-to-toe with both its smaller, earlier kin and the eventual giants of the apex-predator tyrannosaurs[1][2][3]. Weighing around 1,700 pounds and spanning 4 meters in length, it's the genetic link that connects a whole family of tyrant lizards, from the humble to the colossal, across the Asian and North American continents[1].
Uber-Palaeontologist Darla Zelenitsky, a professor at the University of Calgary and co-author of the study, noted:
"This species, Khankhuuluu, holds the key to the transition between smaller and earlier forms and the larger, fearsome Tyrannosaurus family."
Making its initial appearance during the late Cretaceous period, Khankhuuluu's reign was short-lived, taking place approximately 85-86 million years ago. But fear not, our scaly prince, you've left an indelible impact on the evolution of this fearsome lineage.
Your remains, discovered in 1972 or 1973 in the Gobi Desert, were a treasure trove waiting to be explored. After an initial misidentification, they found their way into a museum collection, where they lay dormant for nearly five decades[1]. A true finder-keeper scenario until the esteemed hand of University of Calgary postdoc Jared Voris took the reins.
Voris, who forayed into the realm of fossil treasure hunting to investigate various tyrannosaurus remains, stumbled upon your bones by sheer chance. And what a find it was! One look, and Voris knew he was onto something special.
"This animal had features we had never seen before in more iconic tyrannosaur species," Voris explained.
Looking at the fossil evidence, Voris, Zelenitsky, and their team of dedicated palaeontologists observed a few peculiarities that set Khankhuuluu apart from the rest of the family. For starters, your teeth couldn't crack bones – quite the unusual trait for a species that would give rise to such fearsome bone-crushers as T. rex[1]. Nevertheless, this mighty beast was still a force to be reckoned with, sitting atop the food chain thanks to its stature and adaptations.
The journey doesn't end here for this erstwhile reptile. Like an ancient time-traveler, Khankhuuluu crossed the vast expanse of the Bering land bridge to set foot on the North American continent, thus completing its world tour and giving birth to the modern-day tyrannosaurs that would terrorize the rompers of yesteryears[1].
So here's to the Dragon Prince of Mongolia, Khankhuuluu – a beacon of hope for those of us fascinated by the tales of these ancient predators and the clues they leave behind. Your story is a reminder that the powers that be aren't the only ones shaping our world – nature has its own tricks up its sleeve.
- Tyrannosaurus Rex
- Dinosaur
Cara TabachnickCara Tabachnick is a news editor at ourNews.com. A longtime aficionado of all things crime, Cara has made her mark in the field, with contributions to Newsday, Marie Claire, The Washington Post, and The Wall Street Journal. As a champion of justice and human rights issues, Cara continues her crusade, one jaw-dropping discovery at a time. Contact her at [email protected].
- In the realm of science, a groundbreaking study published in June 2025's Nature revealed a mid-sized tyrannosaur, Khankhuuluu mongoliensis, that could be a 'missing link' in tyrant lizard history.
- The 'Dragon Prince of Mongolia' has been hailed as a key to understanding the transition between smaller and earlier tyrannosaur forms and the larger, fearsome Tyrannosaurus family.
- Interestingly, Khankhuuluu, a species that roamed the plains of Mongolia around 85-86 million years ago, did not possess teeth capable of cracking bones, a trait unusual for such feared bone-crushers as T. rex.
- Beyond the scientific community, this prehistoric discovery has captured the attention of news editors like Cara Tabachnick, who sees it as a testament to the continued unfolding of exciting crime stories hidden in the annals of history.
- For those interested in education and self-development, the tale of Khankhuuluu offers valuable insights into the world of dinosaurs and the evolution of tyrannosaurs, making it a must-read for any budding palaeontologist.
- The intrigue doesn't stop there; with advancements in space and astronomy, we may one day uncover more secrets about the vast migrations of these extinct giants, further expanding our understanding of their lives and their impact on the evolution of our world.
