Sunday, March 16, 2014

"Itsy bitsy dinosaur was T. rex cousin" by Hannah Kilpatrick

Summary
Scientists have just recently announced the discovery of a new genus and species of dinosaur they are calling Nanuqsaurus hoglundi. The species, similar to a Tyrannosaurus Rex is remarkably small and lived about 70 million years ago; researchers uncovered the dinosaur’s remains in 2006 in the Prince Creek Formation on Alaska's North Slope. Paleontologists Anthony Fiorillo and Ronald Tykoski, at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science in Dallas, published their study in the journal PLOS One fittingly titled, "A Diminutive New Tyrannosaur from the Top of the World." Study authors told the Perot Museum that the dinosaur may have been so small because of how isolated the area was, and how little food was likely available. At that time, planet Earth as a whole was warmer than it is today, but this particular area in Alaska would have been dark about half the year. Scientists are thrilled that there is another new dinosaur found in the polar region and are excited to continue investigating for more clues.

Analysis

I think it is so cool that there is still so much that has yet to be discovered, and this is a prime example of that. The fact that scientists are still finding new species of dinosaurs is really neat and just makes you wander how many more species are still out there waiting to be uncovered. It could be right under your feet for all you know! Just thinking about the unlimited possibilities just leaves me in awe, and I get excited for the future and what it will bring!

Here is the link to my article:

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