<p>The long-running debate of whether the dinosaur fossils first unearthed in&nbsp;Montana, US, in 1942, belonged to teenage&nbsp;Tyrannosaurus Rexes or not has finally been settled. A new study published has concluded that the skulls belonged to a different species of dinosaur, not the T-Rexes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The researchers at the&nbsp;Milner Centre for Evolution at the University of Bath said the 66-million-year-old fossils are most likely from the Nanotyrannus. The findings were published in the&nbsp;journal Fossil Studies.</p>

<p>"I didn't expect it to be quite so conclusive.&nbsp;If they were young T. Rex they should be growing like crazy, putting on hundreds of kilogrammes a year, but we're not seeing that," said Dr Nick Longrich associated with the study.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Based on the modelling data, scientists observed that the dinosaurs would have grown to a&nbsp;maximum size of around 900 to 1,500 kilogrammes and five metres which is only about 15 per cent the size of a full-grown, adult T. Rex.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We tried modelling the data in a lot of different ways and we kept getting low growth rates. This is looking like the end for the hypothesis that these animals are young T. Rex," added&nbsp;Longrich.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The research validates that&nbsp;Nanotyrannus is a separate species, one not closely related to Tyrannosaurus. The&nbsp;Nanotyrannus had longer arms, unlike the famously short-armed T. Rex.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While T. Rex relies on size and strength,&nbsp;Nanotyrannus used their small frame, pace, agility and arms as pretty formidable weapons to hunt down prey.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I was very skeptical about Nanotyrannus myself until about six years ago when I took a close look at the fossils and was surprised to realize we'd gotten it wrong all these years," said&nbsp;Longrich.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-climate-tracker-climate-change-played-keyrole-in-dominance-of-dinosaurs-545615"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;WION Climate Tracker: Climate change played keyrole in dominance of dinosaurs</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>T. Rex fossil remains highly sought after&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Dinosaur skeletons and other specimens belonging to the majestic reptile that once roamed the face of the Earth remain highly sought after by collectors. No more than a couple of sales take place in a year worldwide which attract&nbsp;enormous attention, especially if it involves a T. Rex - the legendary 40-foot-long predator.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/for-the-first-time-67-million-year-old-t-rex-skeleton-to-be-auctioned-in-europe-571024"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;For the first time, 67-million-year-old T-Rex skeleton to be auctioned in Europe</strong></a></p>

<p>Notably, in April last year, a 67-million-year-old T. Rex skeleton named 'Trinity' was auctioned in Switzerland. It was the first time that an entire T-Rex skeleton had gone under the hammer and fetched a record sum of $6.1 million at the Koller auction house.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The long-running debate of whether the dinosaur fossils first unearthed in Montana, US, in 1942, belonged to teenage Tyrannosaurus Rexes or not has finally been settled.

The long-running debate of whether the dinosaur fossils first unearthed in Montana, US, in 1942, belonged to teenage Tyrannosaurus Rexes or not has finally been settled. A new study published has concluded that the skulls belonged to a different species of dinosaur, not the T-Rexes. The researchers at the Milner Centre for Evolution at the University of Bath said the 66-million-year-old fossils are most likely from the Nanotyrannus. The findings were published in the journal Fossil Studies. "I didn't expect it to be quite so conclusive. If they were young T. Rex they should be growing like crazy, putting on hundreds of kilogrammes a year, but we're not seeing that," said Dr Nick Longrich associated with the study. Based on the modelling data, scientists observed that the dinosaurs would have grown to a maximum size of around 900 to 1,500 kilogrammes and five metres which is only about 15 per cent the size of a full-grown, adult T. Rex. "We tried modelling the data in a lot of different ways and we kept getting low growth rates. This is looking like the end for the hypothesis that these animals are young T. Rex," added Longrich. The research validates that Nanotyrannus is a separate species, one not closely related to Tyrannosaurus. The Nanotyrannus had longer arms, unlike the famously short-armed T. Rex. While T. Rex relies on size and strength, Nanotyrannus used their small frame, pace, agility and arms as pretty formidable weapons to hunt down prey. "I was very skeptical about Nanotyrannus myself until about six years ago when I took a close look at the fossils and was surprised to realize we'd gotten it wrong all these years," said Longrich. Watch | WION Climate Tracker: Climate change played keyrole in dominance of dinosaurs × T. Rex fossil remains highly sought after Dinosaur skeletons and other specimens belonging to the majestic reptile that once roamed the face of the Earth remain highly sought after by collectors. No more than a couple of sales take place in a year worldwide which attract enormous attention, especially if it involves a T. Rex - the legendary 40-foot-long predator. Also read | For the first time, 67-million-year-old T-Rex skeleton to be auctioned in Europe Notably, in April last year, a 67-million-year-old T. Rex skeleton named 'Trinity' was auctioned in Switzerland. It was the first time that an entire T-Rex skeleton had gone under the hammer and fetched a record sum of $6.1 million at the Koller auction house. (With inputs from agencies)

Debate settled: Teenage T. Rex skulls unearthed in 1942 belonged to a different dinosaur species

<p>The fossil remains of 167-million-years-old long-necked, plant-eating&nbsp;dicraeosaurid&nbsp;dinosaur have been discovered in the western Indian city of Jaisalmer, located in the state of Rajasthan. Scientists from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee and the Geological Survey of India (GSI) managed to unearth the prehistoric findings.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The scientists have named the dinosaur fossil ‘Tharosaurus indicus’, referring to the Thar desert and the country of origin where the remains were found.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the study published in ‘Scientific Reports’, an international journal by publishers of Nature, scientists are of the view that the fossils belong to a new species of dinosaurs, unknown to man. The fossils were collected from the Jaisalmer region in 2018 and a group of six researchers from the two institutes,&nbsp;spent almost five years studying them.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“A systematic fossil exploration and excavation program initiated by GSI in 2018 in the Middle Jurassic (~ 167 Ma) rocks in the Jaisalmer region of Rajasthan, has led to this discovery,"&nbsp;said Prof Sunil Bajpai, chair professor of vertebrate paleontology in the department of earth sciences at IIT-Roorkee.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/meet-vectipelta-barrette-the-newest-dinosaur-species-discovered-by-scientists-605369"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Know more about Vectipelta barrette, the newest dinosaur species discovered by scientists</strong></a></p>

<p>"The fossils were collected by the GSI officers Krishna Kumar, Pragya Pandey and Triparna Ghosh under the supervision of Debasis Bhattacharya and then we studied it for around five years,” he added.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>A rare discovery&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The discovery of the fossils, of all the places in India, suggests that the country also played a small yet unexpected part in the dinosaur evolution cycle.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Do mosquitos bite you more than others? Here's why!</strong></p>

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<p>Researchers said since the fossils were found in rocks dated to be around 167 million years old, it makes&nbsp;Indian sauropod not only the oldest known dicraeosaurid but also globally the oldest diplodocoid (broader group which includes dicraeosaurids and other closely related sauropods).</p>

<p>Previously,&nbsp;dicraeosaurid dinosaurs fossils have been discovered in North and South America, Africa and China but never in India.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The fossil remains of 167-million-years-old long-necked, plant-eating dicraeosaurid dinosaur have been discovered in the western Indian city of Jaisalmer, located in the state of Rajasthan.

The fossil remains of 167-million-years-old long-necked, plant-eating dicraeosaurid dinosaur have been discovered in the western Indian city of Jaisalmer, located in the state of Rajasthan. Scientists from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee and the Geological Survey of India (GSI) managed to unearth the prehistoric findings. The scientists have named the dinosaur fossil ‘Tharosaurus indicus’, referring to the Thar desert and the country of origin where the remains were found. According to the study published in ‘Scientific Reports’, an international journal by publishers of Nature, scientists are of the view that the fossils belong to a new species of dinosaurs, unknown to man. The fossils were collected from the Jaisalmer region in 2018 and a group of six researchers from the two institutes, spent almost five years studying them. “A systematic fossil exploration and excavation program initiated by GSI in 2018 in the Middle Jurassic (~ 167 Ma) rocks in the Jaisalmer region of Rajasthan, has led to this discovery," said Prof Sunil Bajpai, chair professor of vertebrate paleontology in the department of earth sciences at IIT-Roorkee. Also read | Know more about Vectipelta barrette, the newest dinosaur species discovered by scientists "The fossils were collected by the GSI officers Krishna Kumar, Pragya Pandey and Triparna Ghosh under the supervision of Debasis Bhattacharya and then we studied it for around five years,” he added. A rare discovery The discovery of the fossils, of all the places in India, suggests that the country also played a small yet unexpected part in the dinosaur evolution cycle. Watch: Do mosquitos bite you more than others? Here's why! Researchers said since the fossils were found in rocks dated to be around 167 million years old, it makes Indian sauropod not only the oldest known dicraeosaurid but also globally the oldest diplodocoid (broader group which includes dicraeosaurids and other closely related sauropods). Previously, dicraeosaurid dinosaurs fossils have been discovered in North and South America, Africa and China but never in India. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

New dinosaur species from India? 167-million-old fossils found in Jaisalmer might hold vital clues

<p>A remarkable breakthrough in palaeontology has unfolded on the Isle of Wight in England, as scientists discover the fossilised remains of an unidentified species of dinosaur. This extraordinary finding marks the first discovery of a new armoured dinosaur species on the island since 1865, causing great excitement among researchers and dinosaur enthusiasts.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Say hello to the newest <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/dinosaur?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#dinosaur</a>! 👋<br />
<br />
A new species of armoured dinosaur has been described from the Isle of Wight and named in honour of Museum scientist <a href="https://twitter.com/NHMdinolab?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NHMdinolab</a>! 🦕<br />
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Watch to find out more about the spikey find this <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FossilFriday?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FossilFriday</a> 👇 <a href="https://t.co/7jyDNizG7r">pic.twitter.com/7jyDNizG7r</a></p>
— Natural History Museum (@NHM_London) <a href="https://twitter.com/NHM_London/status/1669615934003085313?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 16, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Belonging to the family of ankylosaurs, the newly found dinosaur possesses a formidable appearance due to its blade-like armour. However, contrary to its intimidating body design, this colossal reptile, now known as Vectipelta barretti, was a herbivore.</p>

<h2><strong>How were remains of Vectipelta barrette found?</strong></h2>

<p>The fossils of Vectipelta barretti were excavated from rock formations dating back approximately 66 to 145 million years. It was decided to name the dinosaur after Professor Paul Barrett, who dedicated over two decades of research at the Natural History Museum in London. Professor Barrett graciously expressed his gratitude for this recognition, stating that he felt deeply honoured and overjoyed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This recent discovery enriches our understanding of the diverse dinosaur population that once thrived on the Isle of Wight, offering valuable insights into the evolution and paleoecology of ankylosaurs during the Mesozoic era.</p>

<p>While the newfound dinosaur shares some similarities with the previously known ankylosaur species on the island, Polacanthus foxii, scientists believe that the two species are not closely related. The dissimilarities extend beyond their neck, back, and pelvic bones.</p>

<p>By carefully examining the distinct characteristics of these dinosaurs, researchers can glean further insights into the diversity and adaptations of ankylosaurs during the prehistoric era.</p>

<h2><strong>Similar to fossils found in China</strong></h2>

<p>Furthermore, the species Vectipelta barretti exhibits closer resemblances to ankylosaurs discovered in China, implying the possibility of intercontinental movement between Asia and Europe during the Early Cretaceous period. This finding carries significant implications for our comprehension of species diversity in England during that time.</p>

<p>Stuart Pond, a researcher associated with the Natural History Museum, emphasised the importance of this discovery in shedding light on the multitude of species that once roamed England during the Early Cretaceous period.</p>

<p>The presence of Vectipelta barretti challenges previous assumptions regarding other similar fossil remains, which had been attributed to Polacanthus foxii for more than a century.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Do mosquitos bite you more than others? Here's why!</strong></p>

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<p>As a result, this newly unearthed dinosaur necessitates a re-evaluation and re-assessment of these fossils, enabling scientists to obtain a more accurate understanding of the ancient fauna in the region. This revelation underscores the interconnectedness of prehistoric ecosystems and suggests that dinosaur species were widely dispersed across vast geographical regions.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/days-on-earth-used-to-last-just-19-hours-but-how-scientists-have-the-answer-604905"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Days on Earth used to last just 19 hours, but how? Scientists have the answer</strong></a></p>

<p>The team responsible for this groundbreaking discovery highlights the immense significance of the Wessex Formation, the site where the new species was found. They regard it as an invaluable resource for enhancing the understanding of the events that led to the extinction of dinosaurs.</p>

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A remarkable breakthrough in palaeontology has unfolded on the Isle of Wight in England, as scientists discover the fossilised remains of an unidentified species of dinosaur.

A remarkable breakthrough in palaeontology has unfolded on the Isle of Wight in England, as scientists discover the fossilised remains of an unidentified species of dinosaur. This extraordinary finding marks the first discovery of a new armoured dinosaur species on the island since 1865, causing great excitement among researchers and dinosaur enthusiasts. Say hello to the newest #dinosaur! 👋 A new species of armoured dinosaur has been described from the Isle of Wight and named in honour of Museum scientist @NHMdinolab! 🦕 Watch to find out more about the spikey find this #FossilFriday 👇 pic.twitter.com/7jyDNizG7r — Natural History Museum (@NHM_London) June 16, 2023 × Belonging to the family of ankylosaurs, the newly found dinosaur possesses a formidable appearance due to its blade-like armour. However, contrary to its intimidating body design, this colossal reptile, now known as Vectipelta barretti, was a herbivore. How were remains of Vectipelta barrette found? The fossils of Vectipelta barretti were excavated from rock formations dating back approximately 66 to 145 million years. It was decided to name the dinosaur after Professor Paul Barrett, who dedicated over two decades of research at the Natural History Museum in London. Professor Barrett graciously expressed his gratitude for this recognition, stating that he felt deeply honoured and overjoyed. This recent discovery enriches our understanding of the diverse dinosaur population that once thrived on the Isle of Wight, offering valuable insights into the evolution and paleoecology of ankylosaurs during the Mesozoic era. While the newfound dinosaur shares some similarities with the previously known ankylosaur species on the island, Polacanthus foxii, scientists believe that the two species are not closely related. The dissimilarities extend beyond their neck, back, and pelvic bones. By carefully examining the distinct characteristics of these dinosaurs, researchers can glean further insights into the diversity and adaptations of ankylosaurs during the prehistoric era. Similar to fossils found in China Furthermore, the species Vectipelta barretti exhibits closer resemblances to ankylosaurs discovered in China, implying the possibility of intercontinental movement between Asia and Europe during the Early Cretaceous period. This finding carries significant implications for our comprehension of species diversity in England during that time. Stuart Pond, a researcher associated with the Natural History Museum, emphasised the importance of this discovery in shedding light on the multitude of species that once roamed England during the Early Cretaceous period. The presence of Vectipelta barretti challenges previous assumptions regarding other similar fossil remains, which had been attributed to Polacanthus foxii for more than a century. Watch: Do mosquitos bite you more than others? Here's why! × As a result, this newly unearthed dinosaur necessitates a re-evaluation and re-assessment of these fossils, enabling scientists to obtain a more accurate understanding of the ancient fauna in the region. This revelation underscores the interconnectedness of prehistoric ecosystems and suggests that dinosaur species were widely dispersed across vast geographical regions. Also read: Days on Earth used to last just 19 hours, but how? Scientists have the answer The team responsible for this groundbreaking discovery highlights the immense significance of the Wessex Formation, the site where the new species was found. They regard it as an invaluable resource for enhancing the understanding of the events that led to the extinction of dinosaurs. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Know more about Vectipelta barrette, the newest dinosaur species discovered by scientists

Brazilian palaeontologists are piecing together skeletons that could shed light on new a dinosaur species. Work at what could be a dinosaur graveyard started in June after a fossil was found during the construction of a railway in Maranhao.

Brazilian palaeontologists discovered bones of new dinosaur species

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