A reexamination of fossils found in Mongolia has revealed a previously unknown “missing link” species that led to dinosaurs like Tyrannosaurus rex.

A newly identified mid-sized dinosaur from Mongolia dubbed the "Dragon Prince" has been identified as a pivotal forerunner of Tyrannosaurus rex in an illuminating discovery that has helped clarify the famous predator's complicated family history.

Khankhuuluu mongoliensis lived roughly 86 million years ago and was an immediate precursor to the dinosaur lineage called tyrannosaurs