Random Craziest Dinosaur Facts That Have Been Discovered Since You Were In School (25 items)

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  (#7) Scientists Discovered An Unusually Small Dinosaur Related To The T. Rex

  The Suskityrannus hazelae lived about 92 million years ago, is approximately 3 feet tall, and has similar skeletal features to the Tyrannosaurus rex. Just over 20 years ago, paleontologists discovered a couple of partial skeletons in New Mexico that promised insight into a new species. The fossils did not provide enough information to really understand who the creature was, however, according to Virginia Tech scientist Sterling Nesbitt who is responsible for unearthing one of the remains. 

  There have been developments in recent years that allowed paleontologists to build the Tyrannosaurus family tree, and given the S. hazelae fossils feature signature structural similarities to the T. rex, scientists have deduced the two species are related. 

  Robert Denton, a geologist at Terracon in Ashburn, Virginia, says the S. hazelae have strong feet and a strong jaw, which allows it to optimally crush its prey, just like the T. rex. Given the size of the S. hazelae, scientists believe the T. rex must have developed their predatory features while they were still quite small. 
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  (#13) The Triceratops Kind Of Didn’t Exist

  In 2010, a study revealed the Triceratops species didn't exist, and the internet flew into a panic at the disappearance of one of the coolest-looking dinosaurs. The truth turned out slightly more complex. Researchers found the previously uncovered Triceratops specimens were younger Torasauruses, rather than their own distinct species.

  However, as the original research paper mentioned, researchers coined the name Triceratops a few years before Torosaurus, so the official name of the species remains the former.
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  (#22) Scientists Discovered The Patagotitan, The Largest Animal Ever To Walk On Land

  Scientists have discovered several new dinosaurs species in recent years. Some consider our current era the “golden age” of dinosaur discovery, especially since unique creatures are popping up frequently. Most notable is the Nanuqsaurus, an Arctic tyrannosaur. Scientists are finally tapping the fossil resources of some continents like Australia, revealing all sorts of new species.

  These discoveries aren't insignificant, either - in 2013, they discovered the Patagotitan, which is the largest animal to ever walk on land.
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  (#18) The Traits Defining A 'True' Dinosaur Have Become Extremely Ambiguous

  As paleontologists have dug up more prehistoric remains and added to the fossil record, the number of known dinosaur species has skyrocketed. This increase in awareness has led to a decrease in the number of traits distinguishing dinosaurs from other animals.

  Having found more traits previously thought of as unique to dinosaurs in non-dinosaurs, paleontologists narrowed down the list of what defines a legitimate dino. According to paleontologist Randall Irmis, the only distinguishing feature of a dinosaur is "having a complete hole in the hip socket.” Every other feature appears in non-dinosaurs. The hips, however, don't lie.
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  (#10) The Tyrannosaurus Rex Definitely Wasn’t Fast Enough To Chase A Jeep

  One of the most famous scenes in Jurassic Park features a Tyrannosaurus rex chasing down a group of the film's protagonists as they speed away in a Jeep. However, despite the impressive size of its legs, the T. rex was probably not able to run much at all. Scientists previously estimated the T. rex could travel at speeds as high as 33 mph, but a 2017 study using complex computer models estimated the creature could only travel a maximum of 12 mph.
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  (#19) The Entire Dinosaur Evolutionary Tree Was Way Off

  Because we are constantly discovering new information about dinosaurs, the basic evolutionary tree of these creatures has changed dramatically. Many accepted this tree for over 100 years before a 2017 study of dozens of species by paleontologist Matthew Baron suggested Theropods belong in a group with Ornithischians, under the heading of Ornithoscelidans. 

  In other words, the T. rex had more in common with bird-lipped dinosaurs, like the Triceratops, than with long-necked creatures, like the Apatosaurus.

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