Allosaurus | 3D Dinopedia

Allosaurus

Period of life:

155–145 mya

Period:

Jurassic period

Habitat:

Savannas and plains

Taxonomy:

Theropods

Height:

2.5 m

Countries:

Jurassic period Allosaurus | 3D Dinopedia

Allosaurus (155–145 mya)

Allosaurus is a very well-known late Jurassic period theropod predator. It inhabited the territory of today’s US and Portugal 153-135 million years ago. They were widespread in the territories of the United States and Portugal. This species is one of the best-described carnivorous dinosaurs. The whole Allosaurus graveyard (about 60 specimen skeletons) was recovered in Utah, USA in 1841.

Allosaurus was one of the most ferocious predators of that time consuming purely flesh. Its huge 11-metre body, equal to three heavy vehicles was complimented by 1.5 tonnes weight and crowned with 1.5 metres head. Seventy sharp curved 15 cm teeth packed into the jaws and 5 metres height made it an ideal killing machine. The hinge joint bonding the jaws allowed wider mouth opening whilst attacking. Its extremely powerful jaw pressure easily crushed its prey’s bones and tore apart flesh. The reptile even was gifted with multi dentition.

Allosaurus was decorated by a huge red crest from the eye sockets to the nose tip. Three bumps over the eye sockets protected the reptile from direct sunlight like a visor. Whilst preying, the dinosaur roamed pretty fast through the territory with its powerful hind limbs about 1.5 metre in length. The toe structure only enhanced its speed as three toes looked forward and one backwards. The reptile could easily outrun a human, and pinned a prey to the ground, spearing the skin with the claws. Almost all species including Diplodocus, Apatosaurus and Stegosaur giants could become a prey. The predator could hunt solely and in herds, and could consume a carrion in case of starvation.

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