A recent study reveals that a dinosaur skull discovered at a British Columbia campground belonged to a lighter and faster tyrannosaur compared to the well-known T. rex. Researchers from the University of Alberta analyzed a partial skull impression dating back around 76 million years and identified it as belonging to a horned dinosaur called Gorgosaurus.
The findings, recently published in the journal Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology, shed new light on the ancient species that once inhabited Western Canada, according to lead researcher Colton Coppock. The Royal Tyrrell Museum in Alberta notes that Gorgosaurus could grow up to nine meters in length.
The journey to identifying the dinosaur began in 2017 when Rick Lambert, a British Columbia resident, stumbled upon a peculiar rock at a campground in Tumbler Ridge. Lambert, who had a childhood passion for fossil hunting, was directed to the rock by a squirrel near the river’s edge. The Tumbler Ridge Museum Foundation confirmed that Lambert had unearthed the first tyrannosaurus skull ever found in British Columbia.
The well-preserved skull impression included the dinosaur’s upper jaw, allowing researchers to create a detailed cast highlighting its unique features. Coppock and his team identified the species as Gorgosaurus libratus, which existed 76 million years ago, predating the T. rex by about 10 million years.
Describing Gorgosaurus as a more agile relative of the T. rex with triangular horns, Coppock mentioned that the cast provided insights into the dinosaur’s anatomy. The researchers linked the partial skull to Gorgosaurus by examining specific bone features, such as nasal area sutures and jaw openings.
Additionally, the study revealed that Gorgosaurus had a broader geographical range than previously believed, covering an area comparable to the territories of grizzly bears and cougars today. Lambert’s discovery signifies the potential for significant dinosaur findings in British Columbia, positioning the region as a promising frontier for paleontological research.
For Lambert, the discovery holds a deeper meaning, symbolizing the enduring history of life on Earth. He expressed awe at the longevity of past life forms, emphasizing the remarkable nature of our planet’s history.