Did Tyrannosaurus Rex Originate In New Mexico?

Researchers just announced a new Tyrannosaurus species based on a fossil found in New Mexico’s Elephant Butte Reservoir in 1983. What’s now known as the Tyrannosaurus mcraeensis is believed to be at least 5 million years older than his cousin, the T. Rex as we know it. The scientific discovery reshapes the historical understanding of the most famous dinosaur ever to walk the earth. Could the Tyrannosaurus have originated in New Mexico? How do paleontologists know this is a new species? And why did it take 40 years to make this announcement?

Spencer Lucas, a paleontologist, chief curator for the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, & co-author on the new study, discusses the research that went into the new Tyrannosaurus discovery. 

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