CNN —A formerly unknown relative of the most iconic of all dinosaurs, Tyrannosaurus rex, has been newly identified, according to a study released Thursday. Called Tyrannosaurus mcraeensis, the creature likely roamed Earth up to 7 million years before T. rex emerged. But Tyrannosaurus mcraeensis’ bones were discovered decades before the creature officially got its scientific name. “The lower jaw in a Tyrannosaurus rex is actually quite robust. “That set the table for when Sebastian started to look at our specimen and say, ‘Hey, these don’t actually look the same as the famous Tyrannosaurus rex specimens from places like Montana.’”

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Persons: rex, mcraeensis, ”, Anthony R, Fiorillo, ” Fiorillo, Sebastian G, Spencer Lucas, Dalman, Kong ”, Sebastian, ’ Organizations: CNN, New, New Mexico Museum, Science, Springfield Science Museum, Cultural Affairs Locations: , New Mexico, New Mexico, Albuquerque, North America, Massachusetts, Montana