Thanatotheristes is a type of dinosaur that lived during the Late Cretaceous period, around 80 million years ago.
This dinosaur belongs to the Tyrannosauridae family, which means it is related to the well-known Tyrannosaurus rex. The name Thanatotheristes translates to “reaper of death,” reflecting its fierce nature.
So far, only one species of Thanatotheristes is known, called Thanatotheristes degrootorum. Fossils of this dinosaur have been found in Alberta, Canada, where it lived alongside other dinosaurs like the ceratopsid Xenoceratops and small pachycephalosaurids.
The first fossil of Thanatotheristes was discovered in the Foremost Formation. This fossil includes parts of the skull, which is about 800 millimeters long. While Thanatotheristes was smaller than some of its relatives, it still measured about 8 meters in length.
Thanatotheristes was recognized as a distinct part of the Tyrannosauridae family and is placed in a specific group called Daspletosaurini. This group includes other dinosaurs like Daspletosaurus.
The special features of Thanatotheristes include:
– A single row of ridges on a bone near its upper jaw.
– A rounded eye socket.
– Unique shapes in parts of its skull.
The species was named to honor John and Sandra De Groot, who found its first fossil.
Scientists believe that the Daspletosaurini group of dinosaurs lived in Canada and the northern United States, while other types of tyrannosaurs lived to the south.
Overall, Thanatotheristes is an important dinosaur that helps us understand the diversity of life during the time of the dinosaurs. Its fossils give us insight into how these amazing creatures lived and interacted with their environment.