A new kind of dinosaur which evolved from the Tyrannosaurus rex family was discovered. This species provided a clue on how the most notorious among the prehistoric carnivores evolved. Among the family of T.rex which is collectively known as tyrannosaurs, the Daspletosaurus horneri is an interesting specimen.
According to Thomas Carr of Carthage College, the Tyrannosaurus rex yields another new member with the addition of Daspletosaurus horneri. This tyrannosaur went through a form of evolution called anagenesis. Anagenesis happens when a certain species would gradually evolve into a new one.
Carr also disclosed that Daspletosaurus horneri is very much different from other tyrannosaurs. While the common features of Tyrannosaurus rex cousins are the gaping mouth with saw-like teeth, the new one has lipless feature covered with scales, PhysOrg reported. The prominent feature is its horn, from where the name horneri was derived.
Scientists believe that all among Tyrannosaurus rex family have special attributes, aptly called "sixth sense." In the case of Daspletosaurus horneri, this extra sense was taken to a whole new level. This predator has complex sensory web much like electroreception and infrared that are common in present-day vipers. Meaning, this new tyrannosaur is a deadly killing machine.
Given the Daspletosaurus horneri menu, this tyrannosaur will devour anyone from horned dinosaurs, crested duckbill, dome-headed, and theropod dinosaurs. The horneri walked in Montana some 75 million years ago and was the last to have evolved among the Tyrannosaurus rex, the science journal Nature reported.
Interestingly, anatomist Jayc Sedlmayr of the LSU Health New Orleans observed that what truly sets the Daspletosaurus horneri from Tyrannosaurus rex is its facial components of the trigeminal nerve. The horneri's facial construction is much like those of humans where there is increased sensitivity. Facial muscles are sensitive to touch, thanks to a highly sensitive nerve called trigeminal neuralgia. Now there is a question if Daspletosaurus horneri is capable of facial expressions like "smiling." In humans, facial muscles can coordinate emotions and subsequently, display of emotions.
