Scientists discovered a new tyrannosaur species, *Khankhuuluu mongoliensis*, from 86-million-year-old fossils in Mongolia. This smaller, faster ancestor of T. rex fills a gap in the tyrannosaur fossil record, revealing a more complete evolutionary picture. The discovery challenges previous assumptions about the relationship between tyrannosaurs and the 'Pinocchio rex' Alioramus, showing that Alioramus is more closely related to giant tyrannosaurs. The research also highlights significant migration patterns between Asia and North America in tyrannosaur evolution, impacting their size and distribution.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.