Science · 2026-10-19 · Afternoon briefing

Canadian fossil find reveals new 8-metre tyrannosaur

Scientists in Canada have identified a new species of tyrannosaur, a cousin to Tyrannosaurus rex. Named Tromerosaurus, the carnivorous dinosaur lived 77 million years ago and is estimated to have been 8 metres long, distinguished by its lengthy, lean legs.

The discovery complicates the established family tree of the Tyrannosauridae. Palaeontologists had previously divided the group into two main subfamilies: the stocky, heavy-bodied tyrannosaurines, which include T. rex, and the more lightly built, short-skulled albertosaurines.

This rare addition to the family tree possesses features from both branches, challenging the idea of a simple, linear evolution for these apex predators. Its discovery suggests a more complex picture of how the group evolved than previously understood.

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