Earliest known T. Rex relative may have been found

           The earliest known relative of the T. Rex and all other meat-eating dinosaurs was discovered this week. The 4 foot 15 pound creature lived 230 million years ago in what is now South America, and has been nick named Eudromaeusmurphi, for Eodromaeus. The creature lived during the time referred to as  the "dawn of the age of dinosaurs," a rather unclear period in dinosaur history. The Eodromaeus is part of the theropod lineage, which includes all dinosaurs that were predators. Another dinosaur once thought to be of the same theropod family was the Eoraptor, a small reptile that also ran on two legs. However, it has recently been discovered that the Eoraptor was in fact an early ancestor of the sauropod lineage, a group that includes giant long necked herbivores. It was discovered that the two were unrelated due to the difference in facial features, such as size of nostrils, or placement of teeth. Despite their differences, their similarities have supported the suggestion that there were three main groups of dinosaurs, sauropods, theropods, and "bird-hipped" ornthischians shared a body plan, proving that the three groups are indeed very similar.

           

          This article is important to society because it sheds light on the evolutionary process that has been in effect for millions of years before humans. This article is also is important to society because it proves that new discoveries are being made every day, and that man is neither omnipotent or omniscient in concerns of the planet and nature, providing more reason for its conservation. I chose this article because both dinosaurs and evolution interest me.

             

          Though the article was interesting and easy to read, it lacked scientific facts or specifics. It was short of information concerning the Eodromaeus and its discoverers, and was somewhat vague in most of its claims.The article also failed to provide information on the future of Eodromaeus' discovery, and what it will mean for archeologist for years to come.  Despite its short comings, the article served its purpose, which was to share information in a comprehendible manner. 

Roach, John. " Earliest known T. Rex relative may have been found" 1/13/11 MSNBC

posted for C. Nagy