Newly Discovered Giant Species of Dinosaur Named After Thor’s Brother by Scientists

In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists have identified a colossal new species of dinosaur, Lokiceratops rangiformis, which has been named after the Norse god Loki, known for his mischievous nature and iconic horned helmet. This remarkable find was made in the swamps of western North America, specifically in the arid badlands of northern Montana, near the Canadian border. The fossilized remains were unearthed in 2019 and after thorough analysis, the findings were published in June 2024.

The Lokiceratops, which lived approximately 78 million years ago during the Late Cretaceous period, is distinguished by its unique headgear. It boasts two prominent horns between its eyes and a spiky frill at the back of its head, adorned with the largest frill horns ever found on a dinosaur, reminiscent of Loki’s regalia. This new species, weighing over five tons and measuring 22 feet in length, is now considered the largest dinosaur from the group of horned dinosaurs known as centrosaurines ever discovered in North America.

The skull of Lokiceratops was initially found by a commercial paleontologist and later acquired by the Museum of Evolution in Maribo, Denmark. Paleontologists Joseph Sertich of the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute and Colorado State University, and Mark Loewen of the University of Utah, conducted the investigation of the specimens. Their research indicates that Lokiceratops rangiformis is a previously unknown species, adding to the diversity of horned dinosaurs in the region.

Lokiceratops’s habitat was once a swampy floodplain on the western shores of an inland sea that divided North America into two. The area is renowned among paleontologists for its variety of horned dinosaurs. With the discovery of Lokiceratops, there are now five known species of horned dinosaurs from this particular rock formation, suggesting a high level of diversity and specialization among these ancient creatures.

The horns of Lokiceratops, while impressive, were likely not used for defense, unlike the nose horn of a Triceratops. The absence of a nose horn in Lokiceratops suggests that its elaborate headgear served other purposes, possibly as ornaments for attracting mates or intimidating rivals of the same species. This discovery has significant implications for our understanding of dinosaur evolution, particularly the ceratopsids. These dinosaurs were somewhat isolated from other geographic areas, which may have contributed to the unique horn shapes and the diversity observed in the fossil record.

The Lokiceratops adds a new dimension to the evolutionary narrative of these majestic creatures. Replicas made from casts of the Lokiceratops bones are on display at the Natural History Museum of Utah in Salt Lake City and the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto. The original bones remain in Denmark, where they stand as an example of the rich prehistoric life that once thrived in what is now North America.

The naming of Lokiceratops rangiformis honors both the Norse mythology and the distinctive characteristics of the dinosaur. It also pays homage to Denmark, where the reconstructed bones are permanently exhibited. The choice of name reflects the collaborative nature of paleontology, where discoveries are shared and celebrated across borders and cultures.

Historical Context:

• The discovery of Lokiceratops rangiformis is a significant addition to the field of paleontology, which has a rich history dating back to the 18th century.
• The Late Cretaceous period, during which Lokiceratops lived, was a time of great change and upheaval on Earth, with the continents slowly drifting apart and the climate undergoing significant shifts.
• The region where the fossil was found, the badlands of northern Montana, has been a hub for paleontological discoveries, with many important finds made in the area over the years.
• The naming of the dinosaur after Loki, a Norse god, reflects the growing interest in mythology and folklore in scientific naming conventions.

Summary in Bullet Points:

• Scientists have discovered a new species of dinosaur, Lokiceratops rangiformis, which lived approximately 78 million years ago during the Late Cretaceous period. • The dinosaur is named after Loki, the Norse god known for his mischievous nature and iconic horned helmet, and is distinguished by its unique headgear, including two prominent horns and a spiky frill. • Lokiceratops is the largest dinosaur from the group of horned dinosaurs known as centrosaurines ever discovered in North America, weighing over five tons and measuring 22 feet in length. • The fossil was found in the badlands of northern Montana, near the Canadian border, and was initially discovered by a commercial paleontologist before being acquired by the Museum of Evolution in Maribo, Denmark. • The research suggests that Lokiceratops was a previously unknown species, adding to the diversity of horned dinosaurs in the region. • The horns of Lokiceratops were likely not used for defense, but may have served as ornaments for attracting mates or intimidating rivals. • The discovery has significant implications for our understanding of dinosaur evolution, particularly the ceratopsids, and adds a new dimension to the evolutionary narrative of these majestic creatures. • Replicas of the Lokiceratops bones are on display at the Natural History Museum of Utah and the Royal Ontario Museum, while the original bones remain in Denmark. • The naming of Lokiceratops rangiformis honors both Norse mythology and the distinctive characteristics of the dinosaur, as well as paying homage to Denmark, where the reconstructed bones are permanently exhibited.