Scientists Discover Missing Evolutionary Link -- a Tiny First-gen T-Rex
The Tyrannosaurus Rex is arguably the most iconic symbol in paleontology and the study of dinosaurs. Its gaping jaws; massive hind legs; stocky, sweeping tail; and tiny arms form a distinct image that captures the imagination of many, particularly children just becoming interested in the field. Thus it is a major breakthrough that a species that is either a T. Rex ancestor or closely-related co-descendant has been discovered.
A perennial criticism of evolutionary theory is so-called "missing links" lack of ancestor species, or older species recently diverged from an ancestor. Researchers have been able to eliminate some of that skepticism with the discovery of a human-sized miniature tyrannosaurid.
The beast was excavated in an illegal dig in Mongolia and sold to a private collector. That collector had paleontologist Paul Sereno evaluate the remains and then agreed to donate the fossil to science, with the intent that it eventually be returned to China. Professor Sereno has published a paper on the creature in the journal Science.
