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A new species of dinosaur related to the T-Rex has been identified.
The dinosaur, described as the “Reaper of Death,” grew up to eight meters-long (26 feet) and walked on the plains of North America. According to researchers, the species dated back to at least 79 million years ago. In comparison, the more famous tyrannosaur walked on earth 66 million years ago.
The reaper’s specimen was discovered by Jared Voris, a PhD student at the University of Calgary. The skull featured prominent ridges on its upper jaw line. The species also had a long and deep snout, similar to the ones that were found in the southern US.
Researchers suggested that the differences in skulls between regions could boil down to their dietary habits and their prey available at the time.
The species is called Thanatotheristes Degrootorum, which means “reaper of death” in Greek. It is believed to have been discovered in Canada and the first to be uncovered in 50 years.
[via
The Guardian, opening image via
Shutterstock]