New discoveries continue to shed light on the incredible diversity of life that once thrived on our planet. Recently, a groundbreaking find has captured the attention of scientists and dinosaur enthusiasts alike – the unearthing of a never-before-seen dinosaur species. This remarkable creature, which roamed Earth during the late Cretaceous period, has been dubbed “pharaoh’s dawn chicken from hell.”
The story of this remarkable discovery begins with a determined graduate student named Kyle Atkins-Weltman. In search of fossils for a class project, Atkins-Weltman turned to an unconventional source – online fossil sales. Little did he know that his $5,000 purchase would lead to the identification of a new dinosaur species. The fossils, initially believed to be from a cassowary-like dinosaur called Anzu wyliei, turned out to be something entirely different upon closer examination.
Atkins-Weltman, a doctoral student at Oklahoma State University, had the fossils scanned and was astonished by what he found. The bones belonged to a dinosaur that lived approximately 6 to 7 million years before the iconic Tyrannosaurus rex. This revelation opened up a world of possibilities and prompted further investigation into this enigmatic creature.
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After careful consideration and analysis, Atkins-Weltman and his team settled on the name “Eoneophron infernalis” for the newfound dinosaur species. The name “Eoneophron” combines the Greek word “eos,” meaning “dawn,” with “Neophron,” the genus name for Egyptian vultures, also known as “pharaoh’s chickens.” This choice of name pays homage to the chicken nickname of Anzu wyliei while also honoring Atkins-Weltman’s late pet Nile monitor lizard, named “Pharaoh.”
The species name “infernalis” derives from the Latin word for “hell,” in reference to the Hell Creek Formation, the geological formation where the fossils were discovered. This name completes the nod to the A. wylieii “chicken from hell” reference and highlights the significance of the finding within this specific fossil-rich formation.
Eoneophron infernalis belongs to the caenagnathid family, a group of oviraptorosaurs known for their beaked jaws and long, slender limbs. As a close relative of Anzu wyliei, E. infernalis shares similar characteristics such as toothless beaks and slender limbs. However, there are key differences that distinguish the two species.
One notable distinction lies in the skull structure. E. infernalis lacks the ridges behind its eyes, which are a distinct feature of the T. rex. Additionally, the jawbone of E. infernalis reveals a shallower lower jaw compared to the T. rex. These unique features led the researchers to conclude that E. infernalis is indeed a new species, separate from both Anzu wyliei and the iconic Tyrannosaurus rex.
In terms of size, Eoneophron infernalis is estimated to have weighed around 170 pounds (78 kg), making it significantly smaller than its relative, Anzu wyliei, which weighed between 440 to 660 pounds (200 to 300 kilograms). However, estimating the exact size of E. infernalis based solely on a skull and jawbone is challenging. Nevertheless, it is believed to have been comparable in size to the mighty Tyrannosaurus rex, measuring approximately 40 feet long – roughly the length of a school bus.
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This revelation regarding the size of E. infernalis has significant implications for our understanding of the evolutionary history of Tyrannosaurs. It suggests that these colossal creatures grew to enormous sizes millions of years earlier than previously thought. Placing E. infernalis in the late Cretaceous period provides valuable insights into the factors that contributed to the massive size of Tyrannosaurs.
To comprehend the significance of Eoneophron infernalis and its size in the context of the late Cretaceous period, it is essential to consider the ecological dynamics at play during that time. During the Campanian period, which spanned from approximately 83 to 72 million years ago, plant-eating dinosaurs, such as hadrosaurs, were experiencing a growth spurt, increasing in size.
As herbivorous dinosaurs grew larger, the predatory Tyrannosaurs had to adapt to effectively prey upon these formidable herbivores. This led to an evolutionary pressure for the Tyrannosaurs to grow larger as well. The discovery of E. infernalis, with its substantial size during this period, provides compelling evidence that Tyrannosaurs were already attaining colossal proportions to effectively hunt their prey.
The origins of Tyrannosaurus rex have long been a subject of debate among scientists. One question that remains unanswered is whether T. rex originated in North America or Asia. The discovery of Eoneophron infernalis in New Mexico offers valuable insights into this ongoing discussion.
Given that E. infernalis is the first known ancestor to the T. rex and its fossils were found in North America, this finding supports the hypothesis that Tyrannosaurus rex originated in North America rather than Asia. The presence of this newfound species in the same region where T. rex fossils have been discovered strengthens the argument for North America as the birthplace of this iconic dinosaur.
While the discovery of Eoneophron infernalis is undoubtedly a momentous achievement, it also raises important concerns about the commercialization of fossils. Atkins-Weltman openly acknowledges that he purchased the fossils online, but highlights the problematic nature of privately held bones that are inaccessible to the scientific community.
To advance our knowledge and understanding of Earth’s ancient inhabitants, it is crucial for fossils to be accessible for study and analysis. The donation of E. infernalis to the Carnegie Museum of Natural History ensures that this remarkable specimen can contribute to ongoing research and inspire future generations of scientists.
The Evolutionary Journey of Tyrannosaurus rex in North America
Studying the fossils of Eoneophron infernalis has provided researchers with valuable information about the diversity of dinosaurs during the late Cretaceous period. Previous discussions centered around a decline in dinosaur groups, such as tyrannosaurs and lambeosaurines, in the last 2 million years of the period. However, the presence of E. infernalis and its close relative, Anzu wyliei, challenges this notion.
The coexistence of E. infernalis, A. wyliei, and evidence for a third, as-yet-undescribed species suggests that the decline observed in other dinosaur groups was not mirrored in the caenagnathids. These intriguing dinosaurs may have possessed unique adaptations that allowed them to maintain stability and diversity even as other groups suffered.
One possible explanation for the resilience and diversity of caenagnathids like Eoneophron infernalis is their adaptability as omnivores. These dinosaurs may have possessed a versatile diet, enabling them to switch food sources based on availability. This adaptability would have allowed them to survive and thrive even during periods of ecological change.
As researchers continue to uncover the secrets of Eoneophron infernalis and its relatives, the story of the late Cretaceous period becomes increasingly complex and fascinating. Each new discovery adds another piece to the intricate puzzle of Earth’s ancient past, reminding us that there is still much left to learn about the incredible creatures that once roamed our planet.
