A newly discovered dinosaur species named Khankhuuluu mongoliensis, nicknamed the 'Dragon Prince', has been identified, with findings published in the journal Nature.

This new tyrannosaur species, translating to 'dragon prince from Mongolia', offers valuable insights into the evolutionary history of the iconic Tyrannosaurus rex.

The research highlights that the evolutionary trajectory of tyrannosaurs was shaped by geographical migration and adaptation, indicating a rich diversity of forms and hunting strategies in prehistoric ecosystems.

Prof. Darla Zelenitsky from the University of Calgary describes Khankhuuluu as an early, smaller tyrannosauroid, emphasizing its agility compared to bulkier predators like T. rex.

Khankhuuluu plays a crucial role in understanding the evolutionary success of T. rex and its relatives, contributing to a complex 'evolutionary bush' rather than a straightforward lineage.

Fossils of Khankhuuluu were initially discovered in the 1970s but were misclassified until advanced scans revealed their true identity.

This discovery underscores the ongoing surprises in paleontology, highlighting the importance of re-examining fossils to unlock new insights into dinosaur evolution.

Khankhuuluu lived in Cretaceous Mongolia about 86 million years ago, measuring approximately 13 feet long and resembling a juvenile T. rex.

Weighing around 750 kilos (approximately 1,650 pounds), Khankhuuluu was characterized by its lean physique, long legs, and narrow snout with sharp teeth for hunting smaller prey.

Research suggests that tyrannosaurs, including Khankhuuluu, may have originated in Asia before migrating to North America and returning, revealing insights into their evolutionary journey.

The discovery was based on two partial skeletons found in the early 1970s by Mongolian paleontologist Altangerel Perle, but was only recognized as a separate species in 2023 by Jared Voris from the University of Calgary.

Khankhuuluu exhibits unique features, such as a hollow air chamber in its nasal bone, distinguishing it from previously known species like Alectrosaurus.