Discovery of a New Tyrannosaur: Khunghulu

In a remarkable discovery, a new species of tyrannosaur known as Khunghulu has been identified, which lived approximately 86 million years ago. This finding opens a new window into the evolutionary stages of tyrannosaurs, from small predators to apex predators, providing fresh insights into the history of these famous dinosaurs.

Khunghulu: The Prince Before the King

The name Khunghulu is derived from the Mongolian language, meaning “Prince of Dragons,” reflecting its position in the tyrannosaur family tree as the prince before the king, Tyrannosaurus rex. Weighing around 750 kilograms, Khunghulu was two to three times smaller than its massive descendants but shared many distinctive features with them.

These dinosaurs had small horn-like structures on their heads, which became more pronounced in later tyrannosaur species such as Albertosaurus and Gorgosaurus. It is believed that these horns were used in mating displays or to assert dominance.

Physical Characteristics and Hunting Style

Khunghulu had a long, shallow skull lacking the muscular strength to crush bones like Tyrannosaurus rex. Instead, it was described as a mid-level predator, relying on speed and agility in hunting, similar to modern-day wild wolves.

Scientists believe that Khunghulu employed hunting tactics involving speed and maneuverability, enabling it to effectively hunt small to medium-sized prey.

The Fossil Story from Mongolia

Khunghulu fossils were discovered in the Bayan Shireh Formation in southeastern Mongolia and were first studied in the 1970s by paleontologist Altangerel Perle. Upon re-examination in 2023, researchers noticed subtle yet significant differences distinguishing it from similar species like Alectrosaurus from China.

These differences showed that Khunghulu was a close and distinct ancestor in the tyrannosaur family tree, opening new avenues for understanding the migration of these dinosaurs between continents.

Tyrannosaur Journey Between Continents

Research suggests that Khunghulu or a closely related species migrated from Asia to North America around 85 million years ago. This discovery illustrates how large tyrannosaurs first evolved in North America as a result of this migratory event.

Journeys between Asia and North America were rarer and more limited than previously thought. Khunghulu appears to have been the last known Asian ancestor of tyrannosaurs before their diversification in North America.

Conclusion

The discovery of Khunghulu provides important insights into the evolutionary journey of tyrannosaurs from the dragon prince to the tyrant king. As scientists continue to study the ancestors of these apex predators, it is expected that this research will help fill the remaining gaps in the story of tyrannosaur evolution, enhancing our understanding of the natural history of these remarkable creatures.