T. rex ancestors crossed from Asia to North America via land bridge 70 million years ago, study finds

A new study led by Cassius Morrison from University College London suggests that the direct ancestors of Tyrannosaurus rex arrived in North America by crossing a land bridge from Asia approximately 70 million years ago. Using mathematical modeling, the researchers concluded that T. rex precursors likely traversed the Bering Strait, supported by evidence that links them more closely to the Asian Tarbosaurus than to North American predators like Daspletosaurus. The findings address long-standing debates in paleontology and highlight the conditions these dinosaurs faced, including their adaptation to cooler climates, which may have contributed to their rapid growth in size.
The research further reveals that the growth of T. rex into one of the largest carnivorous dinosaurs was facilitated by the extinction of the carcharodontosaurids, leaving a gap in the ecological hierarchy that tyrannosaurs filled. This study, published in Royal Society Open Science, emphasizes the role of climate changes in driving evolutionary developments among dinosaurs. Paleontologist Steve Brusatte notes the significance of these findings in understanding how climate influenced the evolution of these massive creatures, suggesting that the massive size of tyrannosaurs was not merely a product of their lineage but also of the environmental conditions that favored large body sizes.
RATING
The article provides a well-rounded and largely accurate account of new research findings on the origins and evolution of Tyrannosaurus rex. It effectively communicates complex scientific concepts in an accessible manner, making it engaging and informative to a broad audience. The use of credible sources and expert commentary enhances the article's reliability, although additional perspectives could further enrich the discussion.
While the article excels in clarity and public interest, it could benefit from deeper exploration of the ongoing scientific debates and a more comprehensive presentation of differing viewpoints. The story's timeliness and relevance to current scientific discourse contribute to its impact, although its potential to drive significant societal change is limited.
Overall, the article successfully balances engaging storytelling with informative content, making it a valuable addition to the conversation on dinosaur evolution and the factors shaping it.
RATING DETAILS
The story is largely accurate, with its main claims supported by existing paleontological evidence and research. For instance, the claim that T. rex ancestors crossed a land bridge from Asia to North America aligns with the widely accepted hypothesis of migration via Beringia. The timing mentioned, around 70 million years ago, is consistent with other sources, although slight discrepancies in exact dating (68 million years) exist, which are minor and common in paleontological dating.
The report's assertion that T. rex is more closely related to Asian tyrannosaurs like Tarbosaurus than North American predators such as Daspletosaurus is also corroborated by phylogenetic studies. The use of mathematical modeling to infer migration and evolutionary patterns is a standard method in the field, adding credibility to the findings. However, the story could benefit from more explicit discussion of the limitations and assumptions inherent in these models.
While the article accurately reflects the study's findings, it does present some hypotheses, such as the link between climate and the rapid increase in size, as more definitive than they might be. These are plausible but remain debated within the scientific community. Overall, the story is mostly accurate, but readers should be aware of the ongoing nature of research in this area.
The article provides a balanced view of the research findings, incorporating statements from both the lead researcher and an independent expert, Steve Brusatte, who was not involved in the study. This inclusion of an external perspective helps to mitigate potential biases and provides a broader context for the findings.
However, the article could have further enhanced its balance by including more perspectives from other paleontologists who might hold differing views on the conclusions drawn, particularly regarding the climate's impact on tyrannosaurid gigantism. Additionally, while the story mentions the ongoing debate among paleontologists, it does not delve deeply into the specific arguments or evidence from opposing sides.
Overall, the article is fairly balanced but could improve by presenting a wider range of expert opinions and more thoroughly exploring the nuances of the scientific debate.
The article is well-written and clear, effectively communicating complex scientific concepts in an accessible manner. The structure is logical, with a clear progression from the study's background and methodology to its findings and implications. The use of straightforward language ensures that the content is understandable to a general audience.
The inclusion of expert quotes and analogies, such as comparing tyrannosaurids to modern apex predators like lions, aids in comprehension and provides relatable context. The article avoids excessive jargon, which helps maintain clarity without oversimplifying the scientific content.
Overall, the article excels in clarity, presenting the information in a way that is both informative and easy to follow.
The primary sources of information in the article are credible, with the study being published in the peer-reviewed journal Royal Society Open Science. The involvement of reputable institutions such as University College London adds to the credibility of the findings. The article also includes insights from a respected paleontologist, Steve Brusatte, providing an authoritative external perspective.
However, the article could have strengthened its source quality by referencing additional studies or experts to corroborate the claims made, particularly those related to the climatic influences on dinosaur evolution. While it does well in citing primary sources, a broader range of academic perspectives would enhance the robustness of the reporting.
Overall, the article relies on high-quality sources, but additional corroborating sources could provide a more comprehensive view of the topic.
The article is moderately transparent, clearly attributing the study's findings to the research team led by Cassius Morrison and providing details about the methodology used, such as mathematical modeling. The inclusion of direct quotes from the researchers adds to the transparency by allowing readers to understand the basis of the claims.
However, the article could improve transparency by offering more detailed explanations of the modeling techniques and the assumptions underlying the study. Additionally, discussing any potential conflicts of interest or funding sources would further enhance transparency.
In summary, while the article provides a good level of transparency, more in-depth explanations of the methodology and potential biases would benefit readers seeking a deeper understanding of the research.
Sources
- https://gwhatchet.com/2024/01/21/researchers-claim-to-discover-new-tyrannosaurus-species/
- https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250123113057.htm
- https://www.pbs.org/video/t-rex-an-evolutionary-journey-bsG76i/
- https://www.livescience.com/23868-tyrannosaurus-rex-facts.html
- https://colombiaone.com/2025/01/19/native-americans-origins-dna/
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