Monolophosaurus

Name meaning:

Single-crested lizard

Period of life:

166–163 mya

Period:

Jurassic period

Habitat:

Woodlands

Taxonomy:

Theropods

Countries:

Jurassic period Monolophosaurus | 3D Dinopedia

Stenopterygius

Liopleurodon

Monolophosaurus ()

Monolophosaurus was a predatory theropod dinosaur, a member of the allosauroid superfamily. It lived in what is now China about 166–163 million years ago, during the Middle Jurassic Period.

Its name, Monolophosaurus, meaning «single-crested lizard», was given because of a distinctive bony ridge extending along the entire length of its skull. This crest was hollow, and scientists suggest it may have acted as a resonating structure to amplify sounds, helping individuals communicate with one another. However, its primary function was most likely to lighten the skull, allowing Monolophosaurus to turn its head quickly and easily. It is also possible that the crest served as a display structure, attracting females during the breeding season.

The skull of Monolophosaurus reached about 80 centimeters in length and was elongated and laterally compressed. The upper jaw contained 13 sharp, backward-curving teeth, with an additional 4 teeth in the premaxilla. The lower jaw held approximately 17 to 18 teeth on each side, a slight asymmetry typical of many large theropods.

Monolophosaurus was about 5 meters long and weighed roughly 475 kilograms. Its spine consisted of 9 cervical, 14 dorsal, and 5 sacral vertebrae and was strongly pneumatized, with air-filled cavities inside the bones that reduced the overall weight of the skeleton.

Discussions

No discussions yet

Start the first one!

Start a discussion