2024 was a busy year for dinosaur discoveries. New research from around the world revealed dozens of new-to-science identifications of prehistoric animals, including dinosaurs, prehistoric reptiles, and flying reptiles. Some were giant, some were small, and some lived in burrows. Find out which ones we thought were the most unique.
1. T. rex’s Cousin: Tyrannosaurus mcraeensis
In early 2024, paleontologists announced the discovery of a new tyrannosaur species that may be the closest cousin to the Tyrannosaurus rex. After analyzing the partial remains of a skull, the research team named the new dinosaur Tyrannosaurus mcraeensis.
Upon the initial discovery, researchers believed the skull belonged to a T. rex; however, after further study, they realized it belonged to a new species altogether. The skull remains of T. mcraeenis date back to between 71 million years and 73 million years ago, making it 5 million years to 7 million years older than T. rex.
