Welcome to Jurassic World
Here's another Wikipedia page for Jurassic World so you can visit this wonderful park of prehistoric creatures and have fun, or even SURVIVE! Here you'll find information on all the dinosaurs and a map of the park.
MAJUNGASAURUS
Majungasaurus is a carnivorous theropod from the Late Cretaceous that reached about 9 meters in length. As an apex predator of its time, it used its sharp teeth and powerful bite to tear the flesh of its prey and is one of the few known dinosaurs that fed on members of its own genus, although research has not confirmed whether this cannibalistic behavior occurred while hunting or scavenging carcasses.
DISCOVERY
Majungasaurus, which owes its name to the place of its discovery (Mahajanga, Madagascar), was discovered by an army officer in 1896, who observed a series of fossils along the Betsiboka River. Throughout the 20th century, more remains were unearthed, demonstrating that it was a new genus. In 1955, the French paleontologist René Lavocat officially named it Majungasaurus.
PALEOECOLOGY
This genus coexisted with many other animals on the island of Madagascar some 70-80 million years ago, although, being one of the last dinosaurs to exist, many of its neighbors were mammals, birds, and fish. It lived along the coast, preying on sauropods such as Rapetosaurus.
PERIOD: Late Cretaceous
HEIGHT: 2.8 M
DIET: Carnivore, Live bait
FAMILY: Abelisauridae
LENGTH: 9 M
WEIGHT: 907 KG
ACROCANTHOSAURUS
With an approximate length of 12 meters and a weight of over six tons, Acrocanthosaurus is one of the largest theropods and dates back to the Early Cretaceous. This carnivorous dinosaur owes its name ("high-spined lizard") to the long spines that run along its neck and back, while its sharp teeth and powerful jaw make it a fearsome predator comparable to the much more famous Tyrannosaurus rex.
DISCOVERY
Acrocanthosaurus was officially discovered in 1950 by J. Willis Stovall and Wann Langston Jr. in Atoka County, Oklahoma, where the two paleontologists found skeletal fragments, including parts of a skull. In the following decades, there was no consensus on how to classify Acrocanthosaurus, and it was considered a species of Allosaurus, Spinosaurus, and Megalosaurus on several occasions, but today it is classified within the family Carcharodontosaurids.
PALEOECOLOGY
Fossils have confirmed that Acrocanthosaurus lived approximately 110-125 million years ago in the southern United States, primarily in Texas, Oklahoma, and Wyoming. Acrocanthosaurus was the apex predator of its time, with a diet based on other dinosaurs, such as Hadrosaurus, Tenontosaurus, and various sauropods.
PERIOD: Early Cretaceous
HEIGHT: 4.8 m
DIET: Carnivore, Live Baits
FAMILY: Carcharodontosauridae
LENGTH: 12 m
WEIGHT: 7 t
ALBERTOSAURUS
Albertosaurus, a relative of the infamous Tyrannosaurus rex, is a carnivorous theropod from the Late Cretaceous. Considered the apex predator of its time, the Albertosaurus's rows of sharp teeth made short work of the smaller herbivorous dinosaurs it hunted, while its size—approximately 9.5 meters long and weighing close to 4 tons—kept other predators at bay.
DISCOVERY
The Albertosaurus gets its name from the area where its first remains were found: the Horseshoe Canyon Formation in Alberta. In 1884, geologist Joseph B. Tyrrell discovered a partial skull, and five years later, his colleague Thomas Chesmer Weston found another, although the fossils were initially classified as belonging to the species Laelaps incrassatus. Finally, the American paleontologist Henry Fairfield Osborn classified it as a new species and named it in 1905.
PALEOECOLOGY
Subsequent discoveries in the Horseshoe Canyon floodplain have led researchers to believe that Albertosaurus lived approximately 70 million years ago, alongside a host of other dinosaurs, such as Saurolophus, Edmontosaurus, and Troodon.
PERIOD: Late Cretaceous
HEIGHT: 3.3 M
DIET: Carnivore, Live Baits
FAMILY: Tyrannosauridae
LENGTH: 9.5 M
WEIGHT: 4 T
ALLOSAURUS
Allosaurus is one of the most fearsome dinosaurs to have ever roamed the Earth, weighing up to two and a half tons and measuring approximately 12 meters in length. Allosaurus was the apex predator of the Late Jurassic; Its enormous skull features rows of large, serrated teeth for tearing flesh, while its long, powerful tail helps it maintain its balance.
DISCOVERY
The first official discovery of Allosaurus fossils dates back to 1877, when Othniel Charles Marsh found fragments of an unknown dinosaur in Colorado. These fossils were very different from any other dinosaur bone discovered up to that time, so Marsh named it Allosaurus ("different lizard"). Two years later, H. F. Hubbell found more fossils, although not The quality of the nearly complete skeleton wasn't discovered until 1908, after Cope's death. Due to the thousands of fossils discovered since then, Allosaurus remains are among the most common dinosaur bone finds today.
PALEOECOLOGY
Allosaurus lived approximately 150 million years ago in the forests and floodplains of the western United States, primarily in Utah and Colorado. It coexisted with many different dinosaur species and fed mainly on large herbivores, such as Stegosaurus and Apatosaurus.
PERIOD: Late Jurassic
HEIGHT: 3.8 M
DIET: Carnivore, Live Baits
FAMILY: Allosauridae
LENGTH: 12.1 M
WEIGHT: 2.3 T
ANKYLODOCUS
The giant herbivorous sauropod Ankylodocus is a genetically engineered hybrid dinosaur that combines the base genomes of Ankylosaurus and Diplodocus. Its appearance has notable characteristics of each of its parent genera: its long neck closely resembles that of Diplodocus, while the protective spikes on its body belong to Ankylosaurus.
DISCOVERY
Standing around six meters tall and over 28 meters long, this dinosaur genus is the largest ever engineered by Dr. Henry Wu, the chief geneticist at the bioengineering company InGen. The impressive size of Ankylodocus is its main selling point; Dr. Wu believes that such an enormous animal will attract new visitors.
PALEOECOLOGY
Research into the paleoecology of Ankylodocus is in its very early stages, but it is known that the genus prefers an environment with grasslands and forests, a habitat it shares with other dinosaurs. Ankylodocus feeds mainly on tree ferns and conifers and, thanks to its large size, has very few predators. The genus tends to live alone or in small social groups.
ERA: Holocene
HEIGHT: 5.9 M
DIET: High-Altitude Paleobotanical
FAMILY: Hybrids
LENGTH: 28 M
ANKYLOSAURUS
Famous for its tail club and armored plates on its back, Ankylosaurus is a genus of Ankylosaurus that lived approximately 70 million years ago during the Late Cretaceous. The protective osteoderms and robust build of Ankylosaurus (the average specimen weighed 8 tons and measured 9.6 meters long) defended it from predators like Tyrannosaurus rex, while its large stomach could digest up to 60 kg of ferns and shrubs a day.
DISCOVERY
Barnum Brown discovered Ankylosaurus in the Hell Creek Formation of Montana, four years after the famous paleontologist, known as "Mr. Bones," discovered Tyrannosaurus rex. The first fossils found consisted of a number of bones, including two teeth and a skull fragment. Brown had found several osteoderms in 1900, but had mistakenly attributed them to Tyrannosaurus. In 1910, new Ankylosaurus fossils were discovered in Canada, including a complete skull.
PALEOECOLOGY
The Ankylosaurus lived in Canada and the western United States, areas with a warm and humid climate. They preferred to stay near rivers, forests, and mangroves, where they could cool off during the hot seasons.
PERIOD: Late Cretaceous
HEIGHT: 3.6 M
DIET: Soil Paleobotanical
FAMILY: Ankylosauridae
LENGTH: 9.6 M
WEIGHT: 8 T
APATOSAURUS
At over 20 meters long and weighing approximately 20 tons, the Apatosaurus is one of the largest dinosaurs that ever existed. This herbivorous sauropod had a long neck that allowed it to feed on the leaves of the tallest trees and lower plants. The Apatosaurus could crack the tip of its tail like a whip to produce a loud sound that scared away predators.
DISCOVERY
Apatosaurus was discovered in 1877, the year Othniel Charles Marsh found a nearly complete skeleton in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Its name, meaning "deceptive lizard," comes from the fact that Marsh initially mistook the skeletal structure for an aquatic reptile.
PALEOECOLOGY
Fossils from the Late Jurassic period (approximately 150 million years ago) have been found across the western United States and various parts of Europe. The location of these finds has led researchers to believe that Apatosaurus lived near rivers and coexisted with Camarasaurus, Ceratosaurus, and the fearsome Allosaurus.
PERIOD: Late Jurassic
HEIGHT: 6 M
DIET: High-Altitude Paleobotanical
FAMILY: Diplodocidae
LENGTH: 27 M
WEIGHT: 20 T
ARCHAEORNITHOMIMUS
Archaeornithomimus is a genus of bird-like theropod with a pointed beak and long hind legs. Its name, meaning "ancient bird mimic," refers to its size (weighing between 45 and 90 kg and reaching a length of about 3.3 meters) and its physical characteristics. Archaeornithomimus had an omnivorous diet plant matter, eggs, and even the young of other dinosaurs.
DISCOVERY
Fossil remains of Archaeornithomimus have been found in various parts of Asia, including China, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan. The first discovery dates back to 1923, when Roy Chapman Andrews found bones of a new species, initially known as Ornithomimus asiaticus. In 1972, the prefix archae- ("ancient") was added to emphasize that Archaeornithomimus was the oldest known ornithomimid species.
PALEOECOLOGY
This dinosaur lived in Asia during the Late Cretaceous period, 70-95 million years ago. It preferred river floodplains, where vegetation was abundant. Archaeornithomimus coexisted during this period with many other dinosaurs, such as Gigantoraptor, Bactrosaurus, and Sonidosaurus.
PERIOD: Late Cretaceous
HEIGHT: 2.2 M
DIET: Soil Paleobotanical
FAMILY: Ornithomimidae
LENGTH: 3.3 M
WEIGHT: 50 KG
ATROCIRAPTOR
The Atrociraptor is a carnivorous dinosaur from the dromaeosaurid family that lived during the Late Cretaceous. The name Atrociraptor translates from Latin as "wild grabber," referring to the rows of serrated teeth it used to seize and kill its prey, such as lizards and small mammals. This genus is one of InGen's "designer dinosaurs" and exists in a variety of colors. It grows to approximately 4 m in length and has been bred for great dexterity, high intelligence, and large, powerful claws, making it an extremely efficient hunter.
DISCOVERY
The first Atrociraptor remains were discovered in 1995 when a local resident named Wayne Marshall unearthed a number of teeth and jaw fragments from the Horseshoe Canyon Formation in Alberta, Canada. It wasn't formally described until 2004, when paleontologists Phillip J. Currie and David Varricchio named it Atrociraptor. To date, the 1995 discovery is the only known Atrociraptor specimen.
PALEOECOLOGY
Atrociraptor lived along the floodplains and swamps of Alberta around 68.5 million years ago and shared its habitat with a variety of other dinosaurs, including Albertosaurus, Ornithomimus, and Deinonychus.
PERIOD: Late Cretaceous
HEIGHT: 2 M
DIET: Carnivore, Live Baits
FAMILY: Dromaeosauridae
LENGTH: 3.9 M
WEIGHT: 226 KG
ATTENBOROSAURUS
Attenborosaurus, named after the British naturalist David Attenborough, is a genus of pliosaur that reached 6.4 meters in length. Famous for its long neck and paddle-like limbs, this piscivorous marine reptile was able to move through the water at high speed to catch its prey with its long, sharp teeth.
DISCOVERY
The story of the discovery of Attenborosaurus is interesting: the first fossils were found in the United Kingdom in 1880, but they were destroyed during World War II. Fortunately, highly detailed plaster casts were made, allowing researchers to examine everything except the skin. Although initially classified as a new species of Plesiosaurus, analysis of the replicas confirmed that it is a completely new genus. In 1993, American paleontologist Bob Bakker named the genus in honor of David Attenborough's lifelong work.
PALEOECOLOGY
Attenborosaurus lived approximately 190-200 million years ago during the Early Jurassic and roamed the temperate waters off the southern coast of the United Kingdom, where it fed on fish and other marine life.
PERIOD: Early Jurassic
HEIGHT: 0.9 M
DIET: School of Fish
FAMILY: Pliosauridae
LENGTH: 6.4 M
WEIGHT: 1.1 T
AUSTRORAPTOR
The bipedal Austroraptor was a carnivore that lived during the Late Cretaceous. It reached a length of between 5 and 6 meters and had an elongated skull and relatively short forearms compared to other dromaeosaurids.
DISCOVERY
Austroraptor was discovered in 2002 in the Allen Formation of Argentina and named in 2008. The name Austroraptor means "southern robber," and it is the largest dromaeosaurid found in the Southern Hemisphere.
PALEOECOLOGY
Austroraptor lived during the Late Cretaceous alongside other dinosaur species and some of the earliest mammals in what is now Argentina. It was an arid ecosystem, full of estuaries and tidal flats, and fish were abundant. It is very likely that Austroraptor's diet included fish along with other terrestrial prey.
PERIOD: Late Cretaceous
HEIGHT: 1.7 M
DIET: Piscivorous, Carnivorous, Live Baits
FAMILY: Dromaeosauridae
LENGTH: 5.5 M
WEIGHT: 300 KG
BARYONYX
The large theropod Baryonyx, capable of reaching 10 meters in length, is characterized by its crocodile-like jaw. Baryonyx is the most common A piscivorous dinosaur, although it lived on land, it could catch fish in rivers with its long claws, as well as swim in shallow water to hunt with its long, serrated teeth. Baryonyx is also believed to have been a scavenger, feeding on the carcasses of small dinosaurs found on the surface.
DISCOVERY
Baryonyx, meaning "heavy claw," was discovered in 1983 by William J. Walker, an amateur fossil collector from the UK, while surveying clay pits in Surrey. His initial find consisted of a giant claw and a few other bones, although a nearly complete Baryonyx skeleton was later found; this skeleton is now housed in the Natural History Museum in London.
PALEOECOLOGY
Baryonyx lived during the Early Cretaceous period, about 125 million years ago. It coexisted with other dinosaurs, such as Polacanthus, Iguanodon, and Valdosaurus, in areas of northern Europe and Africa. Baryonyx's primarily fish-based diet suggests it preferred to live near shallow waters, in areas close to rivers and swamps.
PERIOD: Early Cretaceous
HEIGHT: 2.6 M
DIET: Piscivorous, Carnivorous, Live Baits
FAMILY: Spinosauridae
LENGTH: 9.3 M
WEIGHT: 1.7 T
BRACHIOSAURUS
Brachiosaurus is a genus of herbivorous sauropod and one of the largest dinosaurs to have ever existed, weighing over 50 tons. Thanks to its long neck, Brachiosaurus could feed on trees up to 12 meters tall, consuming around 400 kg of vegetation per day, while its enormous size kept potential predators at bay.
DISCOVERY
The first Brachiosaurus fossils were discovered in 1900 in the Morrison Formation of Colorado by the renowned American paleontologist Elmer S. Riggs. At that time, Brachiosaurus was considered the largest dinosaur to have ever existed, although larger specimens have since been found.
PALEOECOLOGY
The Brachiosaurus fossils found date back to the Late Jurassic period, about 140-150 million years ago. It coexisted with many other dinosaurs, such as the infamous Allosaurus and Ceratosaurus. Although Brachiosaurus lived primarily in the western United States, remains have been found in areas as far away as Tanzania and Portugal.
PERIOD: Late Jurassic
HEIGHT: 12.4 M
DIET: High-Altitude Paleobotanical
FAMILY: Brachiosauridae
LENGTH: 21.5 M
WEIGHT: 56 T
CAIUAJARA
The Caiuajara is a flying reptile with an elongated bony fin on the front of its skull and a hard, toothless beak. Its wingspan exceeded 2 meters, and it lived in adult colonies due to its sociable nature. It is likely that the young grew and developed in juvenile groups.
DISCOVERY
The Caiuajara was discovered in a very rare pterosaur bone deposit known as the Pterosaur Graveyard. It contained 47 different specimens, and their estimated dates go back to the Late Cretaceous. The name of this pterosaur comes from the formation in which it was found, in southern Brazil, where there was once a vast desert.
PALEOECOLOGY
Caiuajara lived during the Cretaceous period in the dunes of a desert that is now southern Brazil. These animals congregated near continental dune lakes and had to face deadly sandstorms.
PERIOD: Late Cretaceous
HEIGHT: 1.3 m
DIET: Piscivores, Live Baits
FAMILY: Tapejaridae
WINGSPAN: 2.5 m
WEIGHT: 3.5 kg
CARNOTAURUS
Famous for the thick horns above its eyes, Carnotaurus is a theropod from the Late Cretaceous. Weighing close to 2 tons, measuring 10 meters in length, and boasting two rows of long, sharp teeth, this carnivorous dinosaur was the apex predator of its time. The name Carnotaurus, meaning "carnivorous bull," comes from the combination of its distinctive horns and its flesh-tearing teeth.
DISCOVERY
Everything known about Carnotaurus comes from a single, nearly complete skeleton discovered by the Argentinian paleontologist José Bonaparte. The fossils were unearthed in the Chubut Province of Argentina in 1984, where further exploration of the area revealed several fragments of skin from the same dinosaur.
PALEOECOLOGY
Carnotaurus lived in the rivers and ponds of South America around 70 million years ago, preferring the warmth and humidity of this environment. It coexisted with different species of dinosaurs, as well as turtles and crocodiles, and used its powerful hind legs to catch smaller prey, such as the Nebula antiqua.
PERIOD: Late Cretaceous
HEIGHT: 2.9 M
DIET: Carnivores, Live Baits
FAMILY: Abelisauridae
LENGTH: 10.40 M
WEIGHT: 2.1 T
CERATOSAURUS
Standing nearly 7 meters tall and weighing just under a ton, Ceratosaurus is a theropod of Medium-sized dinosaur from the Late Jurassic. This carnivore is primarily known for the long horn on its snout and the two horns above its eyes, which gave rise to its name: Ceratosaurus, meaning "horned lizard."
DISCOVERY
The first Ceratosaurus remains were discovered in 1883, when Marshall Parker Felch found a nearly complete skeleton in Cañon City, Colorado, an area where several dinosaurs were found at that time. New Ceratosaurus remains have been found throughout North America and even some fossils in locations as far away as Tanzania and Portugal.
PALEOECOLOGY
Ceratosaurus lived in North America about 150 million years ago and coexisted with larger dinosaurs, such as Apatosaurus and the fearsome apex predator Allosaurus. As a lower-lying carnivore on the food chain, Ceratosaurus kept its distance from larger dinosaurs and roamed forests in search of smaller herbivores to hunt.
PERIOD: Late Jurassic
HEIGHT: 2 M
DIET: Carnivore, Live Baits
FAMILY: Ceratosauridae
LENGTH: 7 M
WEIGHT: 700 KG
CHASMOSAURUS
The herbivorous Chasmosaurus is a genus of ceratopsian dinosaur similar in appearance to Triceratops, although much smaller than its more famous relative. Chasmosaurus weighed around 1.5 tons, measured approximately 7.5 meters in length, and was characterized by the three horns on its forehead, as well as the large bony frill on its neck.
DISCOVERY
In 1898, Canadian paleontologist Lawrence Morris Lambe discovered Chasmosaurus when he found part of the dinosaur's frill in Berry Creek, California. Initially, it was classified as a genus of Monoclonius, but later findings confirmed that it was a new discovery. Since then, new remains have been found, allowing experts to define new species within the Chasmosaurus genus.
PALEOECOLOGY
Chasmosaurus lived in Canada during the Late Cretaceous period, about 75 million years ago, as did many other dinosaurs, such as Centrosaurus and the infamous Tyrannosaurus rex. It used its strong, sturdy beak to uproot plants, while its thick skin protected it from predators.
PERIOD: Late Cretaceous
HEIGHT: 3.8 M
DIET: Soil Paleobotanical
FAMILY: Ceratopsidae
LENGTH: 7.5 M
WEIGHT: 1.5 T
CHUNGKINGOSAURUS
Chungkingosaurus is a herbivorous dinosaur of the suborder Stegosauridae, named after the Chongqing region (Sichuan, China) where it was discovered. Approximately 3 meters long, Chungkingosaurus is one of the smaller stegosaurs and has characteristic spikes on its neck, back, and tail for protection against predators.
DISCOVERY
The first Chungkingosaurus was discovered in 1977, when a group of Chinese paleontologists found several bones, including a partial skeleton, back plates, and tail vertebrae. In 1983, Dong Zhiming, a member of the team that discovered the first Chungkingosaurus remains, officially classified it as a member of the stegosaur family.
PALEOECOLOGY
Chungkingosaurus lived during the Late Jurassic, approximately 150 million years ago, across much of Asia, especially in the Chongqing and Guizhou regions of China. It inhabited forested areas alongside many larger sauropods, such as Mamenchisaurus, but kept its distance from certain predators, such as Szechuanosaurus.
PERIOD: Late Jurassic
HEIGHT: 1 M
DIET: Soil Paleobotanical
FAMILY: Huayangsauridae
LENGTH: 3.2 M
WEIGHT: 1.5 T
COELOPHYSIS
Coelophysis, a small theropod, is one of the earliest dinosaurs to have inhabited the Earth, dating back to the Triassic period, some 190-225 million years ago. Its name, meaning "hollow form," refers to the hollow bones of its legs, whose lightness allowed it to reach speeds of up to 40 km/h. Coelophysis was carnivorous and used its claws and sharp teeth to catch its prey.
DISCOVERY
Coelophysis was discovered in 1881 by dinosaur enthusiast David Baldwin in New Mexico, although it wasn't officially named until it was studied by expert Edward Drinker Cope in 1889. The quality of the first fossils found left much to be desired, and it wasn't until 1947 that Coelophysis could be better understood thanks to the discovery of a large number of bones near the site of the initial find.
PALEOECOLOGY
Coelophysis fossils have been discovered all over the world, from North America to southern Africa and China. Coelophysis coexisted with many other dinosaurs and reptiles in dry environments and fed on small crocodiles and insects, as well as the carcasses of other dinosaurs.
PERIOD: Late Triassic
HEIGHT: 1.3 m
DIET: Carnivore, Live Baits
FAMILY: Coelophysidae
LENGTH: 3 M
WEIGHT: 18 KG
COMPSOGNATHUS
Compsognathus is one of the smallest theropods to have existed, measuring 1 meter in length and weighing slightly more than 3 kg (a bit more than a chicken). Despite its small size, Compsognathus was carnivorous and used its speed and agility to hunt lizards, insects, and even other small dinosaurs. The name Compsognathus, meaning "pretty jaw," refers to its long, narrow snout.
DISCOVERY
This dinosaur was discovered by fossil collector Joseph Oberndorfer around 1859 and was part of a collection of bones he had found in Bavaria, Germany. The discovery consisted of a nearly complete skeleton and was the only known Compsognathus specimen until more than a century later, in 1971, another partial skeleton was found in Nice, France.
PALEOECOLOGY
Compsognathus existed during the Late Jurassic, about 150 million years ago. It inhabited the ponds and beaches of Central Europe, which at that time consisted of several smaller islands. It coexisted with a large number of dinosaurs and lizards; in fact, the stomach contents of the Bavarian skeleton revealed remains of Bavarisaurus, a small lizard.
PERIOD: Late Jurassic
HEIGHT: 0.3 M
DIET: Carnivore Feeder
FAMILY: Compsognathidae
LENGTH: 1 M
WEIGHT: 2.3 KG
CONCAVENATOR
Concavenator, known for the large crest on its back, is a carnivorous theropod that dates back to the Early Cretaceous, about 130 million years ago. This genus could reach six meters in length and weigh more than 350 kilograms. Its long tail helped it maintain balance. It also had a pronounced triangular crest on its hips. Experts believe this crest may have served to regulate temperature or acted as a display to attract a mate.
DISCOVERY
This genus was discovered in the La Huérguina Formation, Spain, by paleontologists José Luis Sanz, Francisco Ortega, and Fernando Escaso. It was formally named Concavenator in 2010. The name translates as "humped hunter of Cuenca," referring to the location of its discovery and its most striking feature.
PALEOECOLOGY
Concavenator lived in the humid, wooded areas of Spain and Western Europe. It fed on small theropods and mammals. It used its serrated teeth to tear the flesh of its prey. It shared its habitat with a wide variety of dinosaurs, such as Euronychodon, Richardoestesia, and Pelecanimimus.
PERIOD: Early Cretaceous
HEIGHT: 2 M
DIET: Carnivore, Live Baits
FAMILY: Carcharodontosauridae
LENGTH: 6 M
WEIGHT: 400 KG
CORYTHOSAURUS
Corythosaurus, meaning "helmeted lizard," gets its name from the distinctive crest on its head. This herbivorous hadrosaur lived about 75 million years ago during the Late Cretaceous. Corythosaurus weighed approximately 4 tons and could reach 9 meters in length, making it one of the largest hadrosaurs, with a beak-like snout and thousands of small teeth for chewing tough plants.
DISCOVERY
The renowned American paleontologist Barnum Brown discovered Corythosaurus in 1911 when he found a nearly complete skeleton near the Red Deer River in the Canadian province of Alberta. Brown, known as "Mr. Bones" for his immense reputation in the field, also found a large amount of skin, which allowed him to understand more about the genus.
PALEOECOLOGY
Corythosaurus lived in the forests of North America, where it coexisted with other large herbivores, such as Parasaurolophus and Centrosaurus. Studies have shown that these dinosaurs had different jaw structures, suggesting they had separate diets, which allowed them to coexist without competing for food.
PERIOD: Late Cretaceous
HEIGHT: 3.1 M
DIET: Soil Paleobotanical
FAMILY: Hadrosauridae
LENGTH: 9 M
WEIGHT: 4 T
DEINOCHEIRUS
Weighing nearly seven tons and reaching lengths of up to 11 m, Deinocheirus is the largest ornithomimosaur that ever existed. This genus dates back approximately 70 million years to the Late Cretaceous period, and its name translates as "horrible hand," referring to its large, powerful claws.
DISCOVERY
Although Deinocheirus was first discovered in 1965 by Zofia Kielan-Jaworowska in the Nemegt Basin region of the Gobi Desert, little information about the genus was available for decades, earning it a reputation as one of the most mysterious dinosaurs ever known. It wasn't until more remains were unearthed in the 21st century that experts began to better understand Deinocheirus.
PALEOECOLOGY
Deinocheirus lived near the Nemegt River in the Modern-day Mongolia, which had a rich variety of flora and fauna that suited its omnivorous diet. This genus shared its habitat with a great diversity of dinosaurs, including predatory tyrannosaurids such as Tarbosaurus and Alioramus. Despite its large size, bite marks found on some fossils show that it was prone to predator attacks.
PERIOD: Late Cretaceous
HEIGHT: 3.8 m
DIET: Omnivorous
FAMILY: Deinocheiridae
LENGTH: 11 m
WEIGHT: 6.5 t
DEINONYCHUS
Deinonychus is a genus of theropod that existed about 110 million years ago, during the Early Cretaceous. Its name, meaning "terrible claw," refers to the long, scythe-like claw on the second toe of its hind feet, which Deinonychus uses to defend itself against predators and attack its prey. Deinonychus is a close relative of Velociraptor and can grow up to 3 meters long.
DISCOVERY
Barnum Brown, known colloquially as "Mr. Bones," discovered the first Deinonychus fossils in 1931 while exploring the Cloverly Formation in Montana in search of Tenontosaurus remains. During the 1960s, more than a thousand new Deinonychus bones were found near the area where the first remains were discovered, allowing researchers to learn much more about its appearance and behavior.
PALEOECOLOGY
Deinonychus lived in the floodplains of the western United States and Canada, inhabiting areas near forests and ponds. It coexisted with (and preyed upon) various dinosaurs, such as Acrocanthosaurus and Sauropelta, and preferred to hunt alone rather than in packs.
PERIOD: Early Cretaceous
HEIGHT: 1.6 M
DIET: Carnivore, Live Baits
FAMILY: Dromaeosauridae
LENGTH: 3.2 M
WEIGHT: 100 KG
DILOPHOSAURUS
Dilophosaurus is a genus of large carnivorous theropod, with an average length of 3 meters and a weight of 300 kg. Its name, meaning "double-crested lizard," refers to the distinctive crests that crown its head, which it uses to attract mates. The Dilophosaurus's slender build gives it great speed, while its powerful jaws allow it to hold onto its prey and prevent escape.
DISCOVERY
In 1940, American paleontologist Charles L. Camp discovered the first Dilophosaurus fossils in Arizona. For several years, this genus was mistakenly classified as Megalosaurus, but in 1970, fellow dinosaur expert Samuel P. Welles declared it a new genus after realizing that some remains, previously thought to be cheekbones, were actually crests—a feature not found before in any theropod.
PALEOECOLOGY
Dilophosaurus lived in the western United States during the Early Jurassic, about 190 million years ago. As one of the largest carnivores in its environment, Dilophosaurus likely fed on large herbivores, though it also consumed fish and small reptiles.
PERIOD: Early Jurassic
HEIGHT: 1.6 M
DIET: Carnivore, Live Baits
FAMILY: Dilophosauridae
LENGTH: 3 M
WEIGHT: 300 KG
DIMETRODON
Although its back is similar to that of many dinosaurs, Dimetrodon is actually a primitive synapsid that dates back to the early Permian, about 290 million years ago. Even before the first dinosaurs existed! The name Dimetrodon means "two-measure teeth," referring to the sharp teeth of this predator, which it used to grasp and tear the flesh of its prey.
DISCOVERY
The first Dimetrodon fossils were described in 1877 by the legendary American paleontologist Edward Drinker Cope, after he obtained them from a group excavating the Red Strata rock formation in Texas. Cope officially named the genus Dimetrodon a year later, although he initially believed the sail was a fin belonging to a lizard.
PALEOECOLOGY
Dimetrodon remains have been found throughout the southern United States and even as far away as Germany. They date back to a period when Europe and America formed a supercontinent known as Euramerica. This type of dinosaur coexisted with a wide variety of primitive animals, such as Diplocaulus, Edaphosaurus, and Captorhinus. It is believed to have been the apex predator of its environment.
PERIOD: Early Permian
HEIGHT: 1.8 M
DIET: Carnivore Feeder
FAMILY: Sphenacodontidae
LENGTH: 4.5 M
WEIGHT: 226 KG
DIMORPHODON
The pterosaur Dimorphodon is characterized by the size of its head, much larger than that of other similar pterosaurs such as Pterodactylus. Dimorphodon, whose name means "two-formed tooth" due to its two sets of teeth, is one of the smallest pterosaur species, weighing only a few kilograms and around 1.5 meters in wingspan.
DISCOVERY
This genus was discovered in 1828 by paleontologist and fossil collector Mary Anning in Dorset, on the south coast of the United Kingdom. It was initially classified as a new species of Pterodactylus, but in 1858, Anning's discovery, then known as Pterodactylus macronyx, was officially classified as a new genus: Dimorphodon.
PALEOECOLOGY
Dimorphodon lived during the Early Jurassic, about 190-200 million years ago, along the coasts of Europe. It was piscivorous and roamed forests hunting insects and small animals, although it may also have scavenged if it could not find prey.
PERIOD: Early Jurassic
HEIGHT: 1 M
DIET: Piscivores, Live Baits
FAMILY: Dimorphodontidae
WINGSPAN: 1.5 M
WEIGHT: 1.9 KG
DIPLODOCUS
Diplodocus is one of the largest sauropods that ever existed, weighing approximately 12 tons and measuring 24 meters in length. This gentle giant was herbivorous and used its long neck to feed on tall trees (in fact, Diplodocus teeth were strong enough to strip the bark off them), as well as on plants and shrubs on the ground, while its enormous size deterred predators.
DISCOVERY
In 1877, geologist Benjamin Franklin Mudge and paleontologist Samuel Wendell Williston discovered the first Diplodocus remains in Cañon City, Colorado. Since then, many more Diplodocus fossils have been discovered in the surrounding area and other parts of the western United States.
PALEOECOLOGY
Diplodocus lived in the Morrison Formation about 150 million years ago during the Late Jurassic. It typically inhabited areas near swamps, where water and vegetation were plentiful. An adult Diplodocus had no natural predators, although Allosaurus and Ceratosaurus could prey on its young.
PERIOD: Late Jurassic
HEIGHT: 4 m
DIET: High-altitude Paleobotanicals
FAMILY: Diplodocidae
LENGTH: 24 m
WEIGHT: 12 T
DREADNOUGHTUS
Weighing approximately 65 tons and measuring 19 meters in length, Dreadnoughtus ("fearless") is a titanosaur sauropod and one of the largest dinosaurs to have ever existed. Despite its enormous size and intimidating name, the Dreadnoughtus was a herbivore that used its 11-meter-long neck to reach leaves inaccessible to other dinosaurs, as well as to feed on ground vegetation.
DISCOVERY
American paleontologist Kenneth Lacovara discovered the Dreadnoughtus in the Cerro Fortaleza Formation in Argentina in 2005. The fossils found comprise one of the most complete dinosaur skeletons ever discovered. Due to the number of bones and their weight, the excavations were not completed until 2009.
PALEOECOLOGY
The Dreadnoughtus lived during the Cretaceous period, about 75-100 million years ago, a time when it coexisted with other large sauropods in the forests and floodplains of Argentina. Although there were many predators in the area at that time, it is unlikely they would have seen Dreadnoughtus as prey due to its large size. However, if attacked, it could use its powerful tail to defend itself.
PERIOD: Late Cretaceous
HEIGHT: 15.8 M
DIET: High-Altitude Paleobotanical
FAMILY: Titanosauria
LENGTH: 18.6 M
WEIGHT: 65.4 T
DRYOSAURUS
Dryosaurus is a genus of ornithopod dinosaur from the Late Jurassic, about 140-155 million years ago. Weighing around 80-90 kg and reaching lengths of up to 5 meters, it had strong legs for running at high speeds and a stiff tail for balance—essential attributes for escaping predators. Its name means "tree lizard," referring to its preference for wooded areas.
DISCOVERY
In 1876, the American paleontologist Samuel Wendell Williston discovered this genus in Wyoming, USA, although it wasn't until 1894 that it was classified as a new dinosaur genus. Throughout the 20th century, many more Dryosaurus fossils were found, providing further insight into the genus at different ages.
PALEOECOLOGY
Dryosaurus lived in the Morrison Formation in the western United States, where it coexisted in the region's vast floodplains with various dinosaurs, such as Stegosaurus, and predators like Ceratosaurus and Allosaurus. It had a herbivorous diet consisting of ground plants and shrubs.
PERIOD: Late Jurassic
HEIGHT: 1.8 M
DIET: Soil Paleobotanical
FAMILY: Dryosauridae
LENGTH: 5 M
WEIGHT: 80 KG
DUNKLEOSTEUS
Dunkleosteus originated in the Late Devonian period and was an apex predator in its environment, with a powerful jaw that allowed it to devour even armored prey. This genus gets its name in part from its flattened, bony head ("osteus" means bone in Greek). It could grow up to 10 meters in length, and its Weighing over 4 tons.
DISCOVERY
Amateur paleontologist Jay Terrell discovered this genus in 1867 while searching for fossils on the banks of Lake Erie in Ohio, USA. Initially, Terrell's discovery was thought to be a Dinichthys specimen, but later research confirmed it was a new genus. Fossils of Dunkleosteus (named after the renowned American paleontologist David Hosbrook Dunkle in 1956) have been found in North America, Europe, and North Africa.
PALEOECOLOGY
Dunkleosteus inhabited the marine environment between 360 and 380 million years ago, primarily the ocean floor, where it fed on cephalopods, ammonites, fish, and even sharks. It shared its habitat with other prehistoric carnivorous fish, including Titanichthys, although it lacked natural predators.
PERIOD: Late Devonian
HEIGHT: 1 M
DIET: School of Fish
FAMILY: Dunkleosteidae
LENGTH: 10 M
WEIGHT: 4 T
EDMONTOSAURUS
Edmontosaurus is a genus of herbivorous hadrosaurid dinosaur characterized by its beak-like mouth. Reaching 9 meters in length and weighing over three tons, Edmontosaurus is one of the largest hadrosaurs, but despite its bulky build, it can reach speeds of 50 km/h to escape predators.
DISCOVERY
The first Edmontosaurus bones were discovered in 1891 when John Bell Hatcher, "the king of collectors," was excavating in the Lance Formation of Wyoming. However, these fossils were initially considered a new species of Claosaurus; It wasn't until 1917, with the discovery of two new skeletons in Edmonton, Canada, that they were classified as a new genus.
PALEOECOLOGY
Edmontosaurus lived during the Late Cretaceous, about 65-75 million years ago, and coexisted with dinosaurs such as Triceratops, Albertosaurus, and Pachycephalosaurus in the subtropical climate of Canada. It shared its environment with the apex predator Tyrannosaurus, so it depended on its speed and intelligence to stay safe.
PERIOD: Late Cretaceous
HEIGHT: 3 m
DIET: Soil Paleobotanical
FAMILY: Hadrosauridae
LENGTH: 9 m
WEIGHT: 3.2 T
GALLIMIMUS
Gallimimus is a genus of theropod in the family Ornithomimids. Although its name means "rooster-like," Gallimimus is the largest of the ornithomimid dinosaurs, weighing approximately 450 kg and measuring 4 meters in length. Its name refers to the vertebrae in its neck, which resemble those of roosters and hens. Fast, agile, intelligent, and with excellent vision, Gallimimus was well-adapted to evade predators and capture its own prey.
DISCOVERY
Polish paleontologist Zofia Kielan-Jaworowska discovered this genus in 1964 when she found part of a skeleton in the sands of the Nemegt Basin. Further exploration of the area in subsequent years led to the discovery of more Gallimimus bones, providing experts with a wealth of information about this genus.
PALEOECOLOGY
Gallimimus fossils and remains found throughout Mongolia date the genus to the Late Cretaceous, approximately 70 million years ago. It lived alongside a wide variety of dinosaurs near rivers, lakes, and streams, where it fed on ground plants and shrubs.
PERIOD: Late Cretaceous
HEIGHT: 3 m
DIET: Soil Paleobotanical
FAMILY: Ornithomimidae
LENGTH: 4.7 m
WEIGHT: 450 kg
GEOSTERNBERGIA
Geosternbergia is named after the American paleontologist who discovered this genus, George F. Sternberg. It is one of the largest pterosaurs, with a wingspan of over 7 meters and a long, sharp beak that it can use to spear fish or pull them out of the water. Geosternbergia is characterized by the distinctive crest on its head, which it uses to attract a mate.
DISCOVERY
Sternberg extracted the first Geosternbergia fossils from the Niobrara Formation in Kansas in 1952. Initially classified as a new species of Pteranodon, it was reclassified as a subgenus in 1971 after further study and finally as a new genus in 2010.
PALEOECOLOGY
Geosternbergia dates back to the Late Cretaceous, about 85 million years ago. It lived in North America, primarily in coastal regions, and had a piscivorous diet, venturing into the ocean to feed and staying away from the apex predator, Tyrannosaurus rex.
PERIOD: Late Cretaceous
HEIGHT: 1 M
DIET: Piscivores, Live Baits
FAMILY: Pteranodontidae
WINGSPAN: 7 M
WEIGHT: 3 KG
GIGANOTSAURUS
Weighing approximately 14 tons and measuring 15 meters in length, Giganotosaurus is one of the largest theropods that ever existed; its name means "giant southern lizard" due to its immense size and South American habitat It had an appearance similar to the infamous Tyrannosaurus rex, with rows of long, serrated teeth and a powerful jaw for tearing apart its prey.
DISCOVERY
In 1993, amateur fossil collector Rubén D. Carolini discovered Giganotosaurus while searching for bones in Neuquén, Argentina. Carolini's first find was a leg bone from a large, previously unknown theropod, which led to further exploration of the area. The following year, several fossils were found that confirmed it was a new genus.
PALEOECOLOGY
Giganotosaurus was the apex predator of the Late Cretaceous, approximately 90-110 million years ago. It lived in southern Argentina alongside many other dinosaur genera. It fed on large herbivores of the period, such as Argentinosaurus, and primarily on their young due to their smaller size.
PERIOD: Late Cretaceous
HEIGHT: 5.3 M
DIET: Carnivore, Live Baits
FAMILY: Carcharodontosauridae
LENGTH: 15.5 M
WEIGHT: 14 T
GIGANTSPINOSAURUS
Gigantspinosaurus ("giant spiny lizard") is a genus of herbivorous dinosaur characterized by the large spines on its shoulders, which protected it from predators. It belongs to the stegosaur family, weighing around 700 kg and reaching a maximum length of 7.7 meters. It also possessed a powerful jaw used to grind the plants it consumed.
DISCOVERY
The first discovery of Gigantspinosaurus took place in Pengtang, China, in 1985, when Chinese paleontologist Ouyang Hui found a partial skeleton with a lower jaw, tail, and feet, as well as some skin impressions. Initially, the bones were thought to belong to a Tuojiangosaurus, but after the discovery of a second Gigantspinosaurus specimen at Fuquan the previous year, it was finally classified as a new genus in 2006.
PALEOECOLOGY
Gigantspinosaurus lived during the Late Jurassic, about 160 million years ago. The sites where its fossils have been found suggest that it preferred humid environments with abundant vegetation. It coexisted with many other dinosaurs, such as its relative in the stegosaur family, Chungkingosaurus.
PERIOD: Late Jurassic
HEIGHT: 3 M
DIET: Soil Paleobotanical
FAMILY: Stegosauria
LENGTH: 7.7 M
WEIGHT: 700 KG
GUANLONG
The name of this small tyrannosaurid means "crowned dragon," referring to the hollow bone structure of its skull. This predator measured about 3 meters in length and reached maturity at 7 years of age.
DISCOVERY
The well-preserved remains of a pair of Guanlong skeletons, an adult and a juvenile, were discovered in Wucaiwan, in the Junggar Basin area of China, buried in sandstone. A joint Chinese-American team discovered the dinosaur in 2002 and presented a description to the scientific community in 2006.
PALEOECOLOGY
Guanlong is the oldest known tyrannosaurid, making it a distant ancestor of Tyrannosaurus rex. Guanlong had a decorative crest that it possibly used to attract mates. This animal lived in what is now northwest China approximately 160 million years ago and was probably a secondary predator in its ecosystem, below Carnosaur.
PERIOD: Late Jurassic
HEIGHT: 1.1 m
DIET: Carnivore, Live Baits
FAMILY: Proceratosauridae
LENGTH: 3.0 m
WEIGHT: 75 kg
HERRERASAURUS
Herrerasaurus is a small theropod approximately 4.5 meters long and weighing 200 kg. It is one of the oldest known dinosaurs, dating back to the Late Triassic. Lightly built, it could run at high speeds, and its large, sharp teeth were used to catch its prey. Herrerasaurus fed on smaller herbivores.
DISCOVERY
This genus is named after the man who discovered it: an Argentinian shepherd named Victorino Herrera, who found the first Herrerasaurus bones in San Juan in 1959. However, it wasn't classified as a new genus until 1988 after the discovery of a complete skull.
PALEOECOLOGY
Herrerasaurus lived in Argentina about 228 million years ago. It was one of the earliest dinosaurs and shared its environment primarily with reptiles, such as Saurosuchus and Venaticosuchus, although Eoraptor (another early dinosaur) also existed during the same period. Studies indicate that Herrerasaurus preferred warm, humid climates and lived primarily in forested areas and floodplains.
PERIOD: Late Triassic
HEIGHT: 1.1 m
DIET: Carnivore, Live Baits
FAMILY: Herrerasauridae
LENGTH: 4.5 m
WEIGHT: 200 kg
HOMALOCEPHALE
Famous for its distinctive flat skull (its name means "uniform head"), Homalocephale is a small herbivorous dinosaur that reached a length of 2.3 meters and a weight of 45 kg. It had excellent eyesight that helped it detect predators and Its long legs allowed it to escape, while its thick, flat skull and wide pelvis protected it from attacks.
DISCOVERY
In 1974, Polish paleontologists Halszka Osmólska and Teresa Maryańska classified Homalocephale as a new genus based on a small number of fossils found in Mongolia, including a partial skull. Many paleontologists believed that these bones belonged to a juvenile Prenocephale and not to a separate genus.
PALEOECOLOGY
Homalocephale lived during the Late Cretaceous, about 68–72 million years ago. It roamed the forested areas of Mongolia in search of ground-dwelling plants. These dense forests could also have provided Homalocephale with cover from the larger carnivores that shared its habitat.
PERIOD: Late Cretaceous
HEIGHT: 0.9 M
DIET: Soil Paleobotanical
FAMILY: Pachycephalosauridae
LENGTH: 2.3 M
WEIGHT: 43 KG
HYPSILOPHODON
Hypsilophodon was an omnivorous dinosaur from the Early Cretaceous. It reached a length of 2 meters and used its sharp beak to cut and eat vegetation. Hypsilophodon was an excellent bipedal runner and had an opposable fifth digit on its forelimbs that it could use to grasp plants.
DISCOVERY
Hypsilophodon was discovered in 1849 in the Wessex Formation on the Isle of Wight. Unfortunately, the specimen split in two and remained in the possession of two different paleontologists, and the two halves were not reunited until much later. For 20 years, the specimen was believed to be some type of Iguanodon. It wasn't until anthropologist Thomas Henry Huxley examined the skeleton closely that it was identified as a new species in 1869.
PALEOECOLOGY
Hypsilophodon lived in what is now the Isle of Wight, near London. The area consisted of a semi-arid alluvial plain with scrubland situated on a shale-sandstone base. More than one hundred complete skeletons of this species have been found at the 1 km wide Hypsilophodon site located in the Wessex Formation.
PERIOD: Early Cretaceous
HEIGHT: 0.9 M
DIET: Soil Paleobotanical
FAMILY: Hypsilophodontidae
LENGTH: 1.8 M
WEIGHT: 20 KG
ICHTHYOSAURUS
Ichthyosaurus is a small marine reptile approximately 2 meters long, much smaller than other genera of ichthyosaurs, which can reach 25 meters. Its paddle-like limbs and streamlined body allow it to move through the water at high speed and catch its prey with its long, slender snout. Ichthyosaurus is piscivorous, with a diet rich in fish and cephalopods.
DISCOVERY
The renowned British paleontologist and fossil collector Mary Anning discovered Ichthyosaurus in 1811 with her brother, Joseph, when they found a skeleton while searching for fossils in Lyme Regis, on the south coast of England. Initially thought to be crocodile remains, almost 200 years later, at the beginning of the 21st century, scientific advances allowed Anning's find to be classified as a new genus.
PALEOECOLOGY
Ichthyosaurus lived during the Late Triassic and Early Jurassic periods, about 120-220 million years ago. This genus lived in the oceans of Europe and Asia and did not come ashore, not even to give birth.
PERIOD: Late Triassic
HEIGHT: 1 M
DIET: School of Fish
FAMILY: Ichthyosauridae
LENGTH: 2 M
WEIGHT: 163 KG
IGUANODON
Iguanodon is a genus of large, herbivorous ornithopod, weighing approximately 3.2 tons and reaching lengths of up to 8 meters. The name of this dinosaur means "iguana tooth" due to the similarity of its teeth to those of iguanas: broad and flat for chewing tough plants. Iguanodon had large spikes on its thumbs for protection against predators.
DISCOVERY
The first Iguanodon remains were discovered in Sussex, England, in 1822, when paleontologist Gideon Mantell found several teeth in Tilgate Forest. Initially, the teeth were thought to belong to a crocodile, but further analysis by experts such as William Buckland and Samuel Stutchbury confirmed that they belonged to a new genus of dinosaur.
PALEOECOLOGY
The Iguanodon fossils found show that it lived during the Early Cretaceous, about 110-140 million years ago, across much of western Europe. It coexisted with many other dinosaur genera in forests and swamps near the coast and had to defend itself against predators such as the theropod Baryonyx.
PERIOD: Early Cretaceous
HEIGHT: 2 M
DIET: Soil Paleobotanical
FAMILY: Iguanodontidae
LENGTH: 8 M
WEIGHT: 3.2 T
INDOMINUS REX
Indominus rex is the first "hybrid" genus created by combining several existing genera, such as Deinosuchus, Giganotosaurus, Carnotaurus, Velociraptor, and the infamous Tyrannosaurus rex, as well as tree frogs and snakes. Indominus rex is possibly Imagine the most fearsome dinosaur of all, with the size of a Giganotosaurus, the speed and intelligence of a Velociraptor, the strength and aggression of a Tyrannosaurus rex, and various characteristics of tree frogs and cuttlefish that allow it to conceal its heat signature.
DISCOVERY
Dr. Henry Wu, an American geneticist, began developing the new genus in 2012, after Simon Masrani, owner of Jurassic World, requested the creation of a new and exciting species to boost ticket sales. However, the creation of the Indominus rex has been fraught with controversy, as the species has proven to be far more intelligent than expected. In 2015, the international press reported on the story when it escaped its enclosure and wreaked havoc throughout the park.
PALEOECOLOGY
Due to its synthetic origin, experts are still learning about the behavior, diet, and natural habitat of Indominus rex, as it was bred in isolation for researchers to study. The ferocity and intelligence of Indominus rex made it the apex predator of its environment.
ERA: Holocene
HEIGHT: 6.7 M
DIET: Carnivore, Live Baits
FAMILY: Hybrids
LENGTH: 16.9 M
CRYOLOPHOSAURUS
Cryolophosaurus, at nearly 7 meters long and weighing 500 kilograms, is one of the largest theropods of the Early Jurassic. It was one of the first carnivorous dinosaurs and fed on other smaller dinosaurs and mammals. Its name, which means "frozen crested lizard," refers to the striking crest on its head and the frigid climate of its habitat, Antarctica.
DISCOVERY
Paleontologist William R. Hammer discovered this genus in 1990 during an expedition to Antarctica. Hammer unearthed a femur and a skull from a quarry and deduced that it was a new genus upon seeing the characteristic crest. His theory was confirmed in 1994 when the find was officially classified.
PALEOECOLOGY
Although Antarctica is one of the coldest places on Earth, 170 million years ago, when Cryolophosaurus roamed the land, temperatures rarely dropped below freezing. This dinosaur coexisted in the Early Jurassic with only one other known genus, the sauropodomorph Glacialisaurus, although it shared its habitat with other reptiles and mammals.
PERIOD: Early Jurassic
HEIGHT: 2.5 M
DIET: Carnivore, Live Bait
FAMILY: Tetanurae
LENGTH: 7.5 M
WEIGHT: 780 KG
INDORAPTOR
The Indoraptor is a hybrid dinosaur created from the DNA of various species, such as the Velociraptor, Deinosuchus, and the ferocious Indominus rex. Famous for its high intelligence and aggressive nature, the Indoraptor is considered one of the most dangerous dinosaurs to have existed, with incredible speed, strength, and agility, excellent eyesight, and the ability to camouflage itself before ambushing its prey.
DISCOVERY
Following the scientific breakthrough of the Indominus rex, Dr. Henry Wu created the Indoraptor (meaning "untamed robber") in a laboratory at the Lockwood Mansion in California in 2015. Wu engineered the Indoraptor using the Indominus rex genome and worked to enhance many of its characteristics in order to create an even more impressive dinosaur.
PALEOECOLOGY
The Indoraptor was created only a few years ago, so much about its behavior remains unknown. Although it displays strong signs of intelligence, the Indoraptor's development in a laboratory has deprived it of socialization; due to its hostile behavior and great strength, other dinosaurs should keep their distance.
PERIOD: Holocene
HEIGHT: 3.1 M
DIET: Carnivore, Live Baits
FAMILY: Hybrids
LENGTH: 7.3 M
WEIGHT: 1.1 T
IRRITATOR
Irritator is a spinosaurid theropod dinosaur from South America. It had large, long teeth and a fast but weak bite. Considering these characteristics and the paleoecology of the region it inhabited, it is likely that its diet was primarily piscivorous.
DISCOVERY
An almost complete Irritator skull was found in the Santana Formation of Brazil. It is one of the few fossils found in the region and dates from the Early Cretaceous. Its name comes from the irritation of the authors who described it upon realizing that the skull had been artificially reconstructed by the excavators who sold it to them.
PALEOECOLOGY
The Irritator lived during the Early Cretaceous, about 110 million years ago. The Santana Formation in Brazil, where its fossils were discovered, is rich in crocodilian and fish remains, which were likely the Irritator's primary food source. The terrestrial environment at that time was arid to semi-arid, with areas of coastal lagoons and shallow marine environments.
PERIOD: Early Cretaceous
HEIGHT: 2.1 M
DIET: Piscivorous, Carnivorous, Live Baits
FAMILY: Spinosauridae
LENGTH: 8 M
WEIGHT: 1 T
KENTROSAURUS
Kentrosaurus is a herbivorous stegosaur that could reach 4 meters in length and weigh over 700 kg. Like many other stegosaur dinosaurs, Kentrosaurus was well protected from predators with armored plates running along its back and a pair of spikes protruding from its shoulders. It also had a long, spiked tail for defense against attackers.
DISCOVERY
Kentrosaurus was discovered in 1909 when a team led by German paleontologist Werner Janensch unearthed a series of fossils in the Tenaguru Formation in Tanzania. In 1915, Edwin Hennig gave it its official name, which means "sharp-tipped lizard," referring to the spikes on its body.
PALEOECOLOGY
Kentrosaurus lived during the Late Jurassic period, about 150-155 million years ago. It lived in Tanzania, where the climate was warm and there were small ponds and wooded areas full of vegetation for feeding. The apex predator Allosaurus also lived during the same period and fed on stegosaur dinosaurs like Kentrosaurus.
PERIOD: Late Jurassic
HEIGHT: 1 M
DIET: Soil Paleobotanical
FAMILY: Stegosauridae
LENGTH: 4 M
WEIGHT: 700 KG
KRONOSAURUS
Kronosaurus is a marine reptile of the pliosaur family that dates from the Early Cretaceous and is named after the Greek god Cronus. Its long, sharp teeth and enormous size—it could reach more than 10 meters in length—made it the apex predator of its time. It also possessed powerful flippers that allowed it to swim at high speeds.
DISCOVERY
Although the genus wasn't described until 1924, it was discovered in 1899 when a small bone fragment was unearthed in Hughenden, a small town in Queensland, Australia. Further investigation of the area led to the discovery of a nearly complete skeleton, allowing paleontologists to better understand this genus.
PALEOECOLOGY
While most specimens have been found in Australia, Kronosaurus fossils have been discovered as far south as Colombia. Studies suggest the genus preferred to swim in shallow waters, but analysis of the stomach contents of the nearly complete skeleton revealed that it fed primarily on small plesiosaurs, fish, and cephalopods.
PERIOD: Early Cretaceous
HEIGHT: 2 M
DIET: School of Fish
FAMILY: Pliosauridae
LENGTH: 9.5 M
WEIGHT: 11.5 T
LOKICERATOPS
This herbivore lived about 78 million years ago, during the Late Cretaceous. It could grow up to 6 m in length. It is named after Loki, the trickster god of Norse mythology, due to the similarity of its horns and bony frill to depictions of Loki's helmet.
DISCOVERY
The discovery of this dinosaur is relatively recent. Its first fossils were unearthed in the Montana Badlands in 2019. The specimen was a particularly large adult.
PALEOECOLOGY
The primary habitat of Lokiceratops was riparian zones near extensive forests, where it likely shared territory with other ceratopsian dinosaurs. The impressive facial ornaments of Lokiceratops (and other ceratopsians in the area) may be the result of isolated evolution on the island, where dinosaurs competed for mates and intimidated their opponents with their horns, bony frills, and colors.
PERIOD: Late Cretaceous
HEIGHT: 1.9 M
DIET: Soil Paleobotanical
FAMILY: Ceratopsidae
LENGTH: 6 M
WEIGHT: 5 T
LYSTROSAURUS
The dicynodont Lystrosaurus is a herbivorous therapsid that existed during the Late Permian and Early Triassic periods, approximately 250 million years ago. It is distinguished by its short legs and the two large, fang-like teeth that protrude from either side of its mouth. In fact, at one point, Lystrosaurus made up nearly 95% of all terrestrial vertebrates, having survived the Permian-Triassic extinction event that wiped out most life on the planet.
DISCOVERY
Lystrosaurus was first described by the renowned paleontologist Edward Drinker Cope in 1870, after being discovered by fossil collector Dr. Elias Root Beadle a few years earlier. The name translates as "shovel lizard" and refers to its powerful forelimbs, which it may have used for digging burrows.
PALEOECOLOGY
Specimens of this genus have been found in locations all over the world, from Antarctica to South Africa. This shows that Lystrosaurus traveled long distances during the time of Pangaea. Experts believe it preferred to live near plains and marshes and fed on a diet of small plants and other marsh vegetation.
PERIOD: Late Permian
HEIGHT: 0.4 M
DIET: Soil Paleobotanical
FAMILY: Lystrosauridae
LENGTH: 1 M
WEIGHT: 90 KG
MAIASAURA
Maiasaura, meaning "good mother lizard," is the first dinosaur A dinosaur known to have nursed its young while they were still in the nest. With a distinctive snout more beak-like than snout-like, Maiasaura was a large herbivore (reaching up to 9 meters in length and weighing over 900 kg) that fed on leaves, branches, ferns, and other plants.
DISCOVERY
American paleontologists Robert Makela and Jack Horner first described Maiasaura in 1979 after discovering a series of fossils in the Two Medicine Formation in Montana the previous year. These included an adult dinosaur along with several juveniles and broken eggshells; further exploration of the area revealed more than 200 specimens, leading to the colloquial name "Egg Mountain."
PALEOECOLOGY
Maiasaura coexisted with a wide variety of dinosaurs, such as Troodon and Orodromeus, during the Late Cretaceous, about 75-80 million years ago. The presence of numerous eggshells in close proximity suggests that Maiasaura lived in groups, while studies have shown that it roamed forests in search of vegetation and protection from predators.
PERIOD: Late Cretaceous
HEIGHT: 3 M
DIET: Soil Paleobotanical
FAMILY: Hadrosauridae
LENGTH: 9 M
WEIGHT: 907 KG
MAMENCHISAURUS
Famous for its incredibly long neck, which could reach 11 meters (approximately half its total length), Mamenchisaurus is one of the largest sauropods that ever existed. This herbivorous dinosaur fed on plants and leaves, which it swallowed whole without chewing. It owes its name to the place of its discovery: the Mamen Creek in Sichuan, China.
DISCOVERY
Mamenchisaurus was discovered in 1952, although it wasn't officially identified until 1954, when Yang Zhongian (better known as C. C. Young) began studying fossils uncovered at a construction site, which led to the type name: Mamenchisaurus constructus.
PALEOECOLOGY
Mamenchisaurus lived during the Late Jurassic, approximately 145-155 million years ago, in different areas of China, where it shared the environment with other herbivores, such as Chungkingosaurus and Omeisaurus. It typically fed on large trees, thanks to its long and relatively light neck, which allowed it to reach vegetation inaccessible to other dinosaurs.
PERIOD: Late Jurassic
HEIGHT: 8 M
DIET: High-Altitude Paleobotanical
FAMILY: Mamenchisauridae
LENGTH: 21 M
WEIGHT: 14 T
MEGALODON
The Megalodon dates back some 20 million years to the Miocene period and is one of the largest sharks that ever existed. It could grow to over 15 meters in length and weigh more than 50 tons. Its name, which means "big tooth," is quite revealing, as the Megalodon had six rows of teeth that could grow up to 18 cm long each.
DISCOVERY
The exact nature of the original discovery of the Megalodon is unknown, but descriptions of its teeth date back almost 2,500 years. The genus was formally described for the first time in 1835 by the Swiss-American biologist Louis Agassi, who based his description on a detailed analysis of several teeth.
PALEOECOLOGY
Megalodon is known to have existed worldwide, as specimens have been recovered from every continent except Antarctica. This genus preferred warmer waters, so it was usually confined to subtropical zones, although it also adapted to survive in colder climates. With around 276 teeth in its impressive jaws, Megalodon was the apex predator of its environment; it hunted everything from turtles to sperm whales.
ERA: Miocene
HEIGHT: 4.3 M
DIET: Sharks, Schools of Fish
FAMILY: Otodontidae
LENGTH: 15 M
WEIGHT: 50 T
METRIACANTHOSAURUS
Metriacanthosaurus is a genus of carnivorous theropod that existed during the Late Jurassic. It owes its name to the spines on its vertebrae (Metriacanthosaurus means "moderately spiny lizard") and can reach up to 8 meters in length, weighing over a ton. It feeds on large herbivores. Despite its relatively large size, Metriacanthosaurus can exceed 30 km/h.
DISCOVERY
In 1923, the German paleontologist Friedrich von Huene first described this genus, although the first fossils found (parts of vertebrae and leg bones) were initially attributed to Megalosaurus. After further research throughout the 20th century, it was reclassified as Altispinax and, finally, as Metriacanthosaurus in 1964, when the English paleontologist Alick Walker asserted that the bones belonged to a new genus.
PALEOECOLOGY
Metricanthosaurus lived about 160 million years ago on the southern coast of England, where it took advantage of the dense forests and jungles of that period to stalk its prey. Its diet consisted mainly of among other dinosaurs and marine reptiles that swam near the shore.
PERIOD: Late Jurassic
HEIGHT: 2 M
DIET: Carnivore, Live Baits
FAMILY: Metriacanthosauridae
LENGTH: 7.6 M
WEIGHT: 1 T
MICROCERATUS
Microceratus, easily recognizable thanks to its blunt beak and the small horns on its forehead (its name translates as "little horns"), is a herbivorous dinosaur that lived about 65-85 million years ago during the Cretaceous period. This genus, which walked on two legs and could grow up to 80 centimeters long, is one of the smallest dinosaurs ever discovered.
DISCOVERY
Microceratus was first discovered by Anders Birger Bohlin in 1953 during an exploration in the Gobi Desert, in Inner Mongolia, although it was initially named Microceratops. In 2008, 55 years later, it was revealed that the name Microceratops had already been assigned to a genus of wasp. The new name, Microceratus, was coined by the Portuguese paleontologist Octavio Mateus.
PALEOECOLOGY
Microceratus lived in the forests of Asia, where it fed on plants and stayed in the densest wooded areas to hide from predators like Velociraptor. Due to its small size—this genus weighed around 6 kg—Microceratus was extremely vulnerable to attacks and relied on its great speed to stay safe.
PERIOD: Late Cretaceous
HEIGHT: 0.35 M
DIET: Soil Paleobotanical
FAMILY: Ceratopsia
LENGTH: 0.8 M
WEIGHT: 6.3 KG
MOROS INTREPIDUS
The tyrannosauroid Moros intrepidus is a theropod from the Late Cretaceous. A full-sized Moros intrepidus grows to nearly 1 m tall, making it one of the smaller dinosaurs in the tyrannosauroid family. It is only a fraction of the size of its more famous, and far more terrifying, relative, Tyrannosaurus rex.
DISCOVERY
Moros intrepidus is one of the most recently discovered dinosaurs. The first remains, a series of limb bones, were found in Emery County, Utah in 2013. The genus was formally described in 2019 and takes its name, a combination of the words "death" and "intrepid," from its imposing appearance and tendency to travel long distances.
PALEOECOLOGY
This dinosaur lived in North America about 96 million years ago, roaming the forests and swamps of Utah and the surrounding areas. It survived on a carnivorous diet of small dinosaurs, mammals, and lizards, although experts believe it may also have been a scavenger.
PERIOD: Late Cretaceous
HEIGHT: 0.37 M
DIET: Carnivore Feeder
FAMILY: Saurischia
LENGTH: 0.85 M
WEIGHT: 60 KG
MOSASAURUS
The Mosasaurus is one of the largest marine reptiles in history, reaching lengths of up to 18 meters. Its rows of sharp teeth, powerful paddle-like limbs, and excellent eyesight made the Mosasaurus an efficient predator that fed on fish, cephalopods, and other marine reptiles. Its name means "lizard of the Meuse River," referring to the location where it was discovered.
DISCOVERY
The discovery of the Mosasaurus dates back to 1764, when skull fragments were found on Mount St. Peter, near the Meuse River in the Netherlands. Initially, the remains were classified as a type of fish, until, in 1780, another similar skull was found, leading experts to believe it was a crocodile. It wasn't until 1822 that the English paleontologist William Daniel Conybeare classified it as a new genus, naming it Mosasaurus.
PALEOECOLOGY
Although the first Mosasaurus remains were found in Europe, more fossils have been discovered all over the world, from North America to regions of Africa and even Antarctica. As the apex predator of its habitat during the Late Cretaceous (around 65-80 million years ago), it is unlikely to have suffered attacks from other reptiles; however, researchers believe that fights may have occurred between members of the same genus.
PERIOD: Late Cretaceous
HEIGHT: 2 M
DIET: Sharks, Schools of Fish
FAMILY: Mosasauridae
LENGTH: 17 M
WEIGHT: 30 T
MUTTABURRASAURUS
Muttaburrasaurus is a genus of herbivorous ornithopod characterized by its flat skull and blunt snout. It is named after the Australian locality of Muttaburra (Queensland) where it was discovered. Reaching lengths of up to 9 meters and weighing nearly 3 tons, its powerful, serrated jaws allowed it to easily tear apart leaves, branches, and shrubs.
DISCOVERY
A rancher named Doug Landon discovered Muttaburrasaurus in 1963 when he found skeletal remains near the Thomson River in Muttaburra. Australian paleontologists Alan Bartholomai and Ralph Molnar classified the discovery as a new genus in 1981. Since then, the fossils found have provided new data about the genus.
PALEOECOLOGY
Muttaburrasaurus lived During the Early Cretaceous, about 100-110 million years ago, it roamed vast distances across what is now Australia in search of forested areas to find the vegetation it needed. It coexisted with many herbivores, as well as with the predator Australovenator, which may have fed on Muttaburrasaurus.
PERIOD: Early Cretaceous
HEIGHT: 3 M
DIET: Soil Paleobotanical
FAMILY: Rhabdodontomorpha
LENGTH: 8.7 M
WEIGHT: 3.1 T
NASUTOCERATOPS
Nasutoceratops is a genus of herbivorous dinosaur that existed in the southern United States during the Late Cretaceous. It could reach 7.6 meters in length and weigh over 1.5 tons. Nasutoceratops means "horned face with a large nose," referring to the two large, prominent horns on its skull, similar to those of Triceratops, and its characteristic flattened snout.
DISCOVERY
Nasutoceratops is one of the most recent dinosaur discoveries; the first fossils were found in 2006 in the Kaiparowits Formation in Utah, when geologist Eric Karl Lund unearthed a number of bones, including a partial skull and several vertebrae. The new genus was officially classified in 2013 with the generic name Nasutoceratops.
PALEOECOLOGY
The Nasutoceratops fossils found have shown that it lived in North America about 75 million years ago, near the shores of the Western Interior Seaway. It coexisted with many other dinosaurs, such as ankylosaurids, hadrosaurs, and tyrannosaurids, as well as marine reptiles like crocodiles and turtles. The warm, humid climate of this period fostered the vegetation that served as its food.
PERIOD: Late Cretaceous
HEIGHT: 3.4 M
DIET: Soil Paleobotanical
FAMILY: Ceratopsidae
LENGTH: 7.6 M
WEIGHT: 1.7 T
NODOSAURUS
Nodosaurus is a genus of herbivorous ankylosaurid characterized by the armored plates covering its back; its name means "bumpy lizard." Adults can reach 6 meters in length and weigh over 4 tons, consuming enormous quantities of plants daily. The armored plates of Nodosaurus are essential for protection against predators, as its short legs and heavy build prevent it from fleeing quickly.
DISCOVERY
For more than a century, the only thing we knew about Nodosaurus came from a single specimen discovered in the Frontier Formation in Wyoming, named by the famous paleontologist Othniel Charles Marsh in 1889. However, in 2011, a team of miners made an incredible discovery in the Canadian province of Alberta: a nearly complete Nodosaurus skeleton that included armored plates and even skin. The excavation work lasted almost six years.
PALEOECOLOGY
Nodosaurus lived in North America during the Late Cretaceous, about 100 to 110 million years ago. It coexisted with other nodosaurids such as Edmontonia. Nodosaurus teeth were not designed for chewing tough plants, so it likely fed on small, soft plants.
PERIOD: Late Cretaceous
HEIGHT: 1.9 M
DIET: Soil Paleobotanical
FAMILY: Nodosauridae
LENGTH: 6.1 M
WEIGHT: 3.9 T
OLOROTITAN
The herbivorous Olorotitan is a genus of hadrosaur with a distinctive duck-billed snout topped by a striking crest; its name, meaning "titanic swan," refers to its long neck. It was one of the last dinosaurs to become extinct, disappearing after the events at the end of the Cretaceous period, and could reach up to 10 meters in length.
DISCOVERY
The first remains of Olorotitan were found in Amur, Russia, at the end of the millennium, when researchers discovered a nearly complete skeleton in the Udurchukan Formation. In fact, it was the most complete dinosaur specimen ever found in Russia. In 2003, the renowned Belgian paleontologist Pascal Godefroit classified it as a new genus.
PALEOECOLOGY
Olorotitan existed during the Late Cretaceous, about 66 million years ago, and coexisted with several species of marine reptiles and other dinosaurs, such as the apex predator Tarbosaurus, a relative of the infamous Tyrannosaurus.
PERIOD: Late Cretaceous
HEIGHT: 4.3 M
DIET: Soil Paleobotanical
FAMILY: Hadrosauridae
LENGTH: 10 M
WEIGHT: 3.5 T
ORNITHOMIMUS
A bipedal theropod with long hind legs, a massive body, and a toothless beak. These swift, bird-like dinosaurs measured around 3 meters in length.
DISCOVERY
This species was first described in 1890 from a hind leg fragment dating back to the Cretaceous period, found in the Denver Formation. In 2015, paleontologists used the same bone fragments to rediscover the species. The name "ornithomimid" means "bird mimic."
PALEOECOLOGY
From a paleontological perspective, little is known about ornithomimids and how they lived. Fossil evidence suggests it was a cursorial herbivore, meaning its legs were specially adapted for running.
PERIOD: Late Cretaceous
HEIGHT: 3 M
DIET: Soil Paleobotanical
FAMILY: Ornithomimidae
LENGTH: 3.8 M
WEIGHT: 350 KG
OVIRAPTOR
The Oviraptor is an omnivorous dinosaur that lived during the Late Cretaceous. Although its name translates as "egg thief," this is based on a misunderstanding that has since been corrected. Early specimens were often found near nests, implying that the Oviraptor tended to eat the eggs of other dinosaurs, but experts now believe they incubated the eggs until they hatched.
DISCOVERY
The first Oviraptor specimen was unearthed by American explorer Roy Chapman Andrews in 1923 in the Flaming Cliffs of the Djadokhta Formation in Mongolia. His discovery consisted of an incomplete skull, vertebrae, ribs, and part of the left arm, which was unearthed alongside two other previously unknown specimens: Velociraptor and Saurornthoides.
PALEOECOLOGY
This genus lived approximately 70 to 75 million years ago in Asia, which had a very hot and dry climate during this period. It coexisted with many other dinosaur genera, such as Velociraptor, Protoceratops, and Byronosaurus. Oviraptor used its powerful jaws to crush its food; studies suggest that Oviraptor readily ate a wide variety of foods, from meat and fish to eggs and even fruit.
PERIOD: Late Cretaceous
HEIGHT: 0.8 M
DIET: Omnivorous
FAMILY: Oviraptoridae
LENGTH: 1.3 M
WEIGHT: 30 KG
PACHYCEPHALOSAURUS
Pachycephalosaurus is a herbivorous dinosaur that lived in North America during the Late Cretaceous. Its name means "big-headed lizard," referring to the large, dense skull that experts believe it used to fight other members of its species for territory. Reaching lengths of up to 4.5 meters and weighing approximately 0.5 tons, Pachycephalosaurus is one of the largest pachycephalosaurid dinosaurs.
DISCOVERY
Ferdinand Vandeveer Hayden, an American geologist and fossil collector, discovered the first Pachycephalosaurus specimen in 1859 when he found a bone fragment in the Lance Formation in Montana. Initially, the fossil was thought to be that of a reptile or armadillo rather than a dinosaur, but in 1985 it was officially classified as a new genus named Pachycephalosaurus.
PALEOECOLOGY
This genus lived approximately 65-75 million years ago in the western United States, where it coexisted with many other dinosaurs, such as Edmontosaurus, Triceratops, and the fearsome apex predator Tyrannosaurus. Pachycephalosaurus is believed to have lived in forested areas, where it fed on soft plants, fruits, and seeds.
PERIOD: Late Cretaceous
HEIGHT: 1.5 M
DIET: Soil Paleobotanical
FAMILY: Pachycephalosauridae
LENGTH: 4.5 M
WEIGHT: 450 KG
PARASAUROLOPHUS
Parasaurolophus is a herbivorous hadrosaur native to North America, famous for the distinctive crest extending from the back of its head, which gives the dinosaur its name, meaning "crested lizard." Parasaurolophus could reach 7.5 meters in length and, although it usually walked on all fours, it could stand upright on two legs if it needed to run or reach high places.
DISCOVERY
The first discovery of Parasaurolophus dates back to 1920, when a team of paleontologists led by William Parks discovered a skull and an incomplete skeleton in Alberta, Canada. The following year, part of another skull was found in New Mexico, and over the next 100 years, many more specimens attributed to Parasaurolophus have been discovered.
PALEOECOLOGY
Parasaurolophus remains have been discovered in various locations across the western United States, Canada, and even as far away as Asia. This genus dates back approximately 75 million years to the Late Cretaceous period, when the climate was warm and seasonal. It lived near rivers, floodplains, and swamps, alongside other dinosaurs such as Centrosaurus, Styracosaurus, and Euoplocephalus.
PERIOD: Late Cretaceous
HEIGHT: 3 M
DIET: Soil Paleobotanical
FAMILY: Hadrosauridae
LENGTH: 7.5 M
WEIGHT: 2.6 T
PATAGOTITAN
Patagotitan is a titanosaur sauropod that reached 50 tons in weight and about 30 meters in length. It lived during the Cretaceous period and had a long lifespan for animals of that time. It is named after the region of South America where it was discovered.
DISCOVERY
When this holotype was discovered, Patagotitan became the largest sauropod ever found. The first evidence of its existence was a fragment of Patagotitan discovered by Aurelio Hernández. This led to expeditions that delved deeper into its history. The Cerro Barcino Formation, where more fossils were found between 2012 and 2015.
PALEOECOLOGY
Patagotitan coexisted with various groups of sauropods and herbivores. It foraged in tall trees and on ground-level plants. It also nested in groups, laying 15 to 40 eggs per clutch. These dinosaurs lived during a warm, semi-arid period at times, and traveled along floodplains and river meanders, while volcanic activity was present.
PERIOD: Early Cretaceous
HEIGHT: 13.4 M
DIET: High-Altitude Paleobotanical
FAMILY: Titanosauria
LENGTH: 30 M
WEIGHT: 50 T
PLESIOSAURUS
Famous for its powerful, paddle-like limbs, which allow it to swim at high speeds, and for its long, flexible neck, which helps it catch fish and other prey, the Plesiosaurus is a piscivorous marine reptile that can reach a length of about three and a half meters. The name Plesiosaurus means "almost lizard," and the genus dates back to the Early Jurassic, about 200 million years ago.
DISCOVERY
The Plesiosaurus was discovered by William Conybeare and Henry De la Beche in 1821, although the first complete skeleton was unearthed by the renowned British paleontologist Mary Anning in 1823, while she was searching for fossils in Lias, Dorset. The rarity of the find led many to suspect it was a hoax, and its legitimacy wasn't recognized until similar remains were found in the same location.
PALEOECOLOGY
Although it surfaced to breathe, this genus lived in the oceans and was capable of swimming across large areas of water. Fossils have been found in Europe, Asia, North America, and even Australia. Plesiosaurus fed on fish, mollusks, and other marine reptiles, which it captured with its strong, sharp teeth.
PERIOD: Early Jurassic
HEIGHT: 1 M
DIET: School of Fish
FAMILY: Plesiosauridae
LENGTH: 3.5 M
WEIGHT: 454 KG
PROCERATOSAURUS
The small theropod Proceratosaurus is a carnivorous dinosaur characterized by the striking crest on its snout. Its name comes from the mistaken belief that this genus was related to Ceratosaurus. However, further study has revealed that it is a relative of Tyrannosaurus, although much smaller, measuring approximately 4 meters in length.
DISCOVERY
In 1910, F. Lewis Bradley discovered the only known Proceratosaurus fossil in the White Limestone Formation on the southern coast of England. Analysis of the specimen (a partial skull) led several paleontologists, such as Arthur Smith Woodward and Friedrich von Huene, to believe it was an ancestor of Ceratosaurus. It wasn't until almost a century later that studies confirmed it as a relative of the Late Cretaceous Tyrannosaurus.
PALEOECOLOGY
Information about Proceratosaurus is limited, as only a single partial specimen has been discovered. However, studies have shown that it lived on the southern coast of England about 165 million years ago, during the Middle Jurassic. Proceratosaurus shared its habitat with other dinosaurs, such as Metriacanthosaurus.
PERIOD: Middle Jurassic
HEIGHT: 1.4 M
DIET: Carnivore, Live Baits
FAMILY: Proceratosauridae
LENGTH: 4 M
WEIGHT: 40 KG
PROTOCERATOPS
Protoceratops was a herbivore that reached 2.5 m in length and weighed up to 100 kg. It had large eyes that gave it binocular vision and a powerful bite for defense. Protoceratops lived in large herds to survive and built large nests with groups of 12 to 15 eggs. Protoceratops eggs had soft shells, so they buried them to prevent them from drying out in the arid desert climate.
DISCOVERY
The first Protoceratops specimen was discovered in 1922 in the Djadokhta Formation of the Flaming Cliffs. More well-preserved specimens of this species were discovered between 1923 and 1925, and later they have also been found in Mongolia and Uzbekistan. One of the fossils, discovered in 1971, contains the remains of a Protoceratops and a Velociraptor locked in combat. They are known as the "Fighting Dinosaurs."
PALEOECOLOGY
Protoceratops could inhabit harsh climates, from deserts to riverine areas, including vast expanses of coniferous forests. Its splayed toes and padded feet maximized the surface area of its footprints, minimizing sinking. This made it well-suited to desert biomes. Protoceratops also had closely spaced rows of serrated teeth, perfect for shredding foliage as part of its herbivorous diet.
PERIOD: Late Cretaceous
HEIGHT: 0.9 M
DIET: Soil Paleobotanical
FAMILY: Protoceratopsids
LENGTH: 2.5 M
WEIGHT: 100 KG
PSITTACOSAURUS
Psittacosaurus was a small, bipedal, horned dinosaur. It was herbivorous and ate plants to survive. Its name means "parrot dinosaur," and it is the ancestor of The Psittacosaurus was a type of dinosaur with rear horns, like Triceratops. These dinosaurs were gregarious and formed herds to survive. Later research suggests that young Psittacosaurus cared for the hatchlings.
DISCOVERY
Psittacosaurus fossils are abundant in Asia, including Russia, Mongolia, and China, and date back to the Cretaceous period. Hatchling specimens are particularly common. As recently as 2006, paleontologists spent a week excavating in the Gobi Desert and unearthed 67 Psittacosaurus skeletons.
PALEOECOLOGY
Psittacosaurus hatchlings had long, rapidly developing limbs and a powerful beak. They had teeth designed for tearing plants, but lacked teeth for grinding them. Instead, they swallowed stones to break down their food as it passed through their digestive system, much like many modern birds. These social animals were herbivores and lived between 100 and 122 million years ago.
PERIOD: Early Cretaceous
HEIGHT: 0.7 M
DIET: Soil Paleobotanical
FAMILY: Psittacosauridae
LENGTH: 2 M
WEIGHT: 45 KG
PTERANODON
The Pteranodon is one of the largest pterosaurs that ever existed, with a wingspan of approximately 7 meters, and is easily recognizable by the crest on the top of its skull, which it uses for display. Although its diet consisted mainly of fish, the Pteranodon had no teeth, so it bit its prey with its beak; in fact, its name means "toothless wing."
DISCOVERY
With over 1,200 known specimens, Pteranodon is one of the most famous genera of flying reptiles. In 1870, American paleontologist Othniel Charles Marsh discovered the first remains in Kansas, where he found several wing bones in the Smoky Hill Creta. Initially classified as Pterodactylus, the discovery of a toothless skull in 1876 confirmed that it was a new genus.
PALEOECOLOGY
Pteranodon lived approximately 80–85 million years ago during the Late Cretaceous. Native to North America, particularly the Western Interior Seaway, it coexisted with its relative Nyctosaurus and the toothed bird Ichthyornis, and built its nests in elevated areas to avoid predators.
PERIOD: Late Cretaceous
HEIGHT: 2 m
DIET: Piscivorous, Live Baits
FAMILY: Pteranodontidae
WINGSPAN: 7 m
WEIGHT: 25 kg
PYRORAPTOR
The predatory theropod Pyroraptor is a member of the Dromaeosauridae family that lived in Europe during the Late Cretaceous. Reaching a length of about 2.4 m, Pyroraptor relied more on its impressive speed than its strength to stalk its prey. It preferred to hunt in packs, like its more famous cousin, the Velociraptor. Its sharp talons helped Pyroraptor catch its prey, but it also used them for climbing.
DISCOVERY
The name Pyroraptor translates as "fire thief" and comes from the location where it was discovered: the first known Pyroraptor remains were unearthed after a forest fire in Provence, southern France, in 1992. This specimen consisted of a series of toe claws, a forearm bone, and two teeth. Later remains found in Spain were also attributed to Pyroraptor.
PALEOECOLOGY
This dinosaur has been found throughout western and central Europe and dates back approximately 70 million years, when the area had a tropical climate and abundant water sources. Pyroraptor shared its habitat with many other types of dinosaurs, such as Ampelosaurus and Struthiosaurus.
PERIOD: Late Cretaceous
HEIGHT: 1.7 M
DIET: Carnivore, Live Baits
FAMILY: Dromaeosauridae
LENGTH: 2.4 M
WEIGHT: 180 KG
QIANZHOSAURUS
The Qianzhousaurus, a relative of the fearsome superpredator Tyrannosaurus rex, bears a certain resemblance to its more famous cousin, although it is significantly smaller (weighing around 8 tons, with a head-to-tail length of over 10 meters) and has a characteristic elongated snout. Although its jaw is less powerful than that of the larger tyrannosaurids, its ability to run at high speed makes the Qianzhousaurus an effective predator.
DISCOVERY
Qianzhousaurus is one of the most recent dinosaur discoveries, as the first specimen was found by construction workers in the Nanxiong Formation in Ganzhou, China, in 2010. The remains consisted of several vertebrae, leg bones, and a partial skull, which were sent to a group of Chinese paleontologists for study. Two of them, Junchang Lu and Laiping Yi, named the new genus Qianzhousaurus after the location where it was discovered.
PALEOECOLOGY
Qianzhousaurus lived in China and other parts of Asia during the Late Cretaceous, about 66 million years ago. Millions of years ago. Experts suggest it was one of the most efficient predators of its time, and studies have revealed that its jaw was very well adapted for hunting small dinosaurs and lizards.
PERIOD: Late Cretaceous
HEIGHT: 3.5 M
DIET: Carnivore, Live Baits
FAMILY: Tyrannosauridae
LENGTH: 10 M
WEIGHT: 7.9 T
QUETZALCOATLUS
The piscivorous pterosaur Quetzalcoatlus dates back to the Late Cretaceous and is considered one of the largest flying animals the world has ever seen. It had a wingspan of over 10 meters, roughly the size of a small airplane. The name Quetzalcoatlus comes from the Aztec god Quetzalcoatl, which means "feathered serpent."
DISCOVERY
Quetzalcoatlus was discovered by chance by Douglas A. Lawson in 1971. While excavating for sauropods in Big Bend National Park (Texas), Lawson's team unearthed a fossilized giant wing bone. The bone was so large that there was much debate about which animal the specimen belonged to, but Lawson was able to show comparisons with Pterodactyl that confirmed it was, in fact, a new type.
PALEOECOLOGY
This type of dinosaur lived in the southern United States about 66 to 72 million years ago. It shared its environment with other pterosaurs, as well as with many dinosaurs (such as Triceratops and the fearsome Tyrannosaurus rex). Quetzalcoatlus remains have been found mainly inland, although this may be because the remains could not be preserved closer to the coast.
PERIOD: Late Cretaceous
HEIGHT: 5.5 M
DIET: Piscivorous, Live Baits
FAMILY: Azhdarchidae
WINGSPAN: 15 M
WEIGHT: 250 KG
SAUROPELTA
Sauropelta is a genus of herbivorous dinosaur native to North America and easily recognizable by the large spikes extending from its neck. Due to its large size and approximate weight of 1.5 tons, Sauropelta cannot run at high speeds, so it must be able to defend itself against predators. To this end, in addition to its defensive spikes, it has a thick shell covering most of its body, which gives the genus its name (Sauropelta means "shield lizard").
DISCOVERY
Barnum Brown, an American paleontologist known as "Mr. Mr. Bones discovered the first Sauropelta fossils in 1930. Brown found a partial skeleton in the Cloverly Formation in Montana. However, it wasn't until 1970 that paleontologist John Ostrom classified the remains as a new genus after finding related fossils in the same area.
PALEOECOLOGY
Sauropelta existed during the Early Cretaceous, about 95-120 million years ago. It roamed the vast floodplains of the western United States in search of ground vegetation. It coexisted with a wide variety of dinosaurs, such as the predatory Deinonychus.
PERIOD: Early Cretaceous
HEIGHT: 2.1 M
DIET: Soil Paleobotanical
FAMILY: Nodosauridae
LENGTH: 8 M
WEIGHT: 1.5 T
SCORPIO REX
The Scorpion rex is a hybrid dinosaur created by mixing the DNA of the scorpionfish, a lethal species that secretes venom from its fins, with a variety of carnivorous dinosaurs. Its strength, intelligence, dexterity, and speed, combined with such potent venom, make the Scorpion rex one of the most fearsome dinosaurs that ever existed. It can reach lengths of up to eight meters and has serrated teeth designed to tear the flesh of its prey.
DISCOVERY
The species was created by Dr. Henry Wu at the behest of Simon Masrani, the billionaire businessman, but the dinosaur's extremely unstable temperament led to its being placed in a cryogenic chamber. However, due to overheating, the chamber cracked, and disaster struck: the dinosaur escaped and wreaked havoc at Camp Cretaceous.
PALEOECOLOGY
The Scorpion rex has only ever lived in captivity, so little is known about its natural habitat. Researchers believe that the hybrid's aggressive behavior makes it unsuitable for the wild; in fact, many experts believe its creation was a mistake and that it should be eliminated immediately.
ERA: Holocene
HEIGHT: 2 M
DIET: Carnivore, Live Baits
FAMILY: Hybrids
LENGTH: 8 M
SINOCERATOPS
The Sinoceratops, a ceratopsian dinosaur, lived in China about 73 million years ago and is easily recognizable by the large horn on its snout. This genus can reach 8.1 meters in length and a weight of 2 tons, while the striking bony frill on its neck serves to attract mates. The name Sinoceratops, which means "horned Chinese face," comes from its appearance and its environment.
DISCOVERY
Sinoceratops was the first ceratopsian discovered in China, when a partial skull was found in the Xingezhuang Formation in Shandong. In 2008, a significant discovery was made, indicating that ceratopsian dinosaurs may have migrated from North America to Asia. More specimens have been found in the same area, allowing researcher Xu Xing to officially name the genus Sinoceratops.
PALEOECOLOGY
Sinoceratops inhabited China during the Late Cretaceous, living around mangroves, rivers, and swamps, where low-lying vegetation such as ferns and other plants was abundant. It shared its environment with several dinosaurs, including the predator Zhuchengtyrannus, but adult specimens were able to defend themselves against its attacks.
PERIOD: Late Cretaceous
HEIGHT: 4.2 M
DIET: Soil Paleobotanical
FAMILY: Ceratopsidae
LENGTH: 8.1 M
WEIGHT: 2 T
SPINOCERATOPS
Spinoceratops, also commonly known as "Sino-spino," is an omnivorous hybrid created using DNA from Sinoceratops and Spinosaurus. The genus's appearance incorporates features from both ancestors, such as the pronounced horns of Sinoceratops and the sail of Spinosaurus, giving meaning to its name, which translates as "spiky-horned face." This genus can exceed six tons in weight and ten meters in length.
DISCOVERY
This genus was created by Mantah Corp, a bioengineering company that rivals InGen. The company has genetically engineered Spinoceratops to regulate its body temperature, enabling it to survive in Arctic conditions. Unlike most dinosaur genera, its behavior varies considerably among individual specimens.
PALEOECOLOGY
As a relatively new genus, research on Spinoceratops is ongoing. Experts believe it derives its paleoecology primarily from its Sinoceratops DNA, as it lives a quiet life with a mostly vegetarian diet. However, it does eat fish when necessary—a trait it inherited from Spinosaurus. Designed to live in cold environments, Spinoceratops is not adapted to desert conditions.
PERIOD: Holocene
HEIGHT: 4.9 M
DIET: Omnivore
FAMILY: Hybrids
LENGTH: 10 M
WEIGHT: 6 T
SPINORAPTOR
Designed at the Hammond Creation Lab by world-renowned geneticist Dr. Henry Wu, the Spinoraptor is a large and aggressive carnivore. This genus combines Spinosaurus and Velociraptor DNA to create a ferocious predator that boasts the size and strength of the Spinosaurus and the speed and intelligence of the Velociraptor. The Spinoraptor gets its name, which translates to "spiky thief," from the large, spiked sail on its back.
DISCOVERY
Although much smaller than its ancestor, the Spinosaurus, at over six meters long and weighing around 800 kilograms, the Spinoraptor is an imposing animal. Dr. Wu bred the genus with the intention of creating a fearsome predator that would attract large crowds. The Spinoraptor is notable for its aggressive temperament and 20 cm claws, making it one of the most dangerous dinosaurs in existence.
PALEOECOLOGY
The Spinoraptor is ecologically adapted to the same environments as its ancestors, roaming grasslands and forests in search of prey. Its incredible ferocity and great speed, reaching up to 95 kilometers per hour, allowed it to compete with much larger dinosaurs, even giant predators like the infamous Tyrannosaurus rex.
PERIOD: Holocene
HEIGHT: 2.8 M
DIET: Piscivorous, Carnivorous, Live Baits
FAMILY: Hybrids
LENGTH: 6.5 M
WEIGHT: 800 KG
SPINOSAURUS
Spinosaurus is a genus of carnivorous dinosaur native to North Africa that lived about 95 million years ago during the Late Cretaceous period. Its name means "spiny lizard," referring to the long spines on its back vertebrae that formed a sail; researchers believe these helped regulate its temperature. Reaching an approximate length of 15 meters and weighing up to 4 tons, Spinosaurus is one of the largest carnivorous dinosaurs to have ever existed.
DISCOVERY
In 1912, Austrian fossil collector Richard Markgraf discovered the first Spinosaurus remains when he found a partial skeleton in the Baharija Formation in Egypt. It consisted of ribs, vertebrae, and several spines up to 1.65 meters long. Three years later, German paleontologist Ernst Stromer confirmed that Markgraf's find was indeed a new genus.
PALEOECOLOGY
Spinosaurus remains have been found primarily in North Africa, although fossils have also been discovered in more southerly regions, such as Kenya. It is believed that Spinosaurus preferred warm, humid climates and lived near marshes and swamps, where it fed on crocodiles, fish, and even pterosaurs.
PERIOD: Late Cretaceous
HEIGHT: 6.4 m
DIET: Piscivorous, Carnivorous, Live Baits
FAMILY: Spinosauridae
LENGTH: 15 m
WEIGHT: 4 t
STEGOCERATOPS
The Stegoceratops e The Stegoceratops is a hybrid dinosaur designed by Dr. Henry Wu, a renowned geneticist, and can reach up to twelve meters in length and four tons in weight. This genus is composed primarily of Stegosaurus and Triceratops DNA and features three large horns on its head and hard plates along its back. It also contains beetle DNA, giving this genus a thick, solid armor that protects it from predators.
DISCOVERY
Dr. Wu designed the Stegoceratops at the Hammond Creation Laboratory along with other dinosaur hybrids, including the Indominus rex, a highly intelligent apex predator. Wu's plan was to create a series of impressive new dinosaurs to increase visitor numbers at Jurassic Park, so he designed a new genus that presented itself as a combination of the most impressive or outstanding characteristics of existing dinosaurs.
PALEOECOLOGY
Although Stegoceratops is a young genus with a limited history, behavioral studies show that it prefers a habitat similar to that of its ancestors, Stegosaurus and Triceratops: forests and grasslands with abundant vegetation.
ERA: Holocene
HEIGHT: 5.2 M
DIET: Soil Paleobotanical
FAMILY: Hybrids
LENGTH: 11.6 M
WEIGHT: 4 T
STEGOSAURUS
Stegosaurus is one of the most famous dinosaurs to have ever existed, thanks to the distinctive spikes and vertical plates that adorn its back and tail. Since Stegosaurus shared its habitat with many large predators, such as Ceratosaurus and Allosaurus, it needed a way to defend itself: the long spikes on its tail allowed it to repel its attackers. On the other hand, it is believed that the plates on its back served to attract mates.
DISCOVERY
The famous American paleontologist Othniel Charles Marsh was the first to classify Stegosaurus as a new genus in 1877, after the discovery of several fossils near the Morrison Formation in Colorado. Marsh named the new genus Stegosaurus, which means "roofed lizard," because it was initially thought to have horizontal plates on its back, like roof tiles.
PALEOECOLOGY
Stegosaurus lived in North America during the Late Jurassic, about 145-155 million years ago. It roamed vast, dry plains in search of low-lying vegetation, such as trees, ferns, and other plants. It coexisted with a variety of genera, such as the fearsome Allosaurus, Camarasaurus, and Diplodocus.
PERIOD: Late Jurassic
HEIGHT: 5 M
DIET: Soil Paleobotanical
FAMILY: Stegosauridae
LENGTH: 10.1 M
WEIGHT: 3.5 T
STRUTHIOMIMUS
Struthiomimus means "ostrich-like" and was the name given to the genus due to its resemblance to the modern ostrich, with very long hind legs and neck. Despite this, its size was significantly larger than that of the ostrich, with an approximate length of 4 meters and a weight of 150 kg. Struthiomimus is a herbivorous genus that feeds on soft plants, as its jaw lacks teeth.
DISCOVERY
Struthiomimus was discovered in 1901 when Canadian geologist Lawrence Lamb found an incomplete skeleton near the Red Deer River valley in Alberta. At first, the fossils were thought to belong to a new species of Ornithomimus; it wasn't until 1917 that the American paleontologist Henry Fairfield Osborn classified it as a new genus.
PALEOECOLOGY
Struthiomimus dates back to the Late Cretaceous, about 75 million years ago. It lived in North America alongside a wide variety of dinosaurs, such as Edmontosaurus, Pachycephalosaurus, and Dracorex, not to mention the fearsome apex predator Tyrannosaurus.
PERIOD: Late Cretaceous
HEIGHT: 2.3 M
DIET: Soil Paleobotanical
FAMILY: Ornithomimidae
LENGTH: 4.3 M
WEIGHT: 150 KG
STYGIMOLOCH
Stygimoloch is a herbivorous dinosaur from the pachycephalosaurid family that lived in the western United States about 65-68 million years ago. This genus could reach up to 3 meters in length and is easily recognizable by the large bony horns on the back of its head, which it used to defend itself against predators. Its name means "demon of the River Styx," referring to the river that separates the Earth from the Underworld in Greek mythology.
DISCOVERY
The story of Stygimoloch is somewhat controversial, as there is no consensus on its classification. The first Stygimoloch was discovered toward the end of the 19th century in the Hell Creek Formation in Texas, but it did not receive its official name until 1982, when Hans-Dieter Sues and Peter Galton formally described it as a new genus. Currently, some experts believe that the discovered specimens are actually juvenile Pachycephalosaurus.
PALEOECOLOGY
Stygimoloch coexisted with many other dinosaurs during the Late Cretaceous in the forests The Styracosaurus was a large herbivorous dinosaur that inhabited the plains and hills of North America, along with Edmontosaurus, Triceratops, and Ankylosaurus, as well as the apex predator Tyrannosaurus.
PERIOD: Late Cretaceous
HEIGHT: 1.7 M
DIET: Soil Paleobotanical
FAMILY: Pachycephalosauridae
LENGTH: 3.5 M
WEIGHT: 78 KG
STYRACOSAURUS
At 5.1 meters long and weighing almost 2 tons, Styracosaurus was a large herbivorous dinosaur from the Cretaceous period. It belonged to the ceratopsian family, and was characterized by a single horn protruding from its snout and a large frill with long spines, from which it derives its name (meaning "spiky lizard").
DISCOVERY
In 1913, C. M. Sternberg found the first Styracosaurus fossils in Alberta, Canada, in an area now known as the Dinosaur Park Formation. Two years later, Barnum Brown discovered further remains near the same site, including a nearly complete skeleton.
PALEOECOLOGY
Experts believe that Styracosaurus lived in herds along coastal rivers and floodplains in what is now Canada, some 70-75 million years ago. This dinosaur was one of many genera that inhabited the area, along with Centrosaurus, Parasaurolophus, and Gorgosaurus.
PERIOD: Late Cretaceous
HEIGHT: 1.5 M
DIET: Soil Paleobotanical
FAMILY: Ceratopsidae
LENGTH: 5.1 M
WEIGHT: 1.8 T
SUCHOMIMUS
The Suchomimus, a large carnivorous spinosaurid, is famous for its distinctive appearance; although its body is not very different from that of Baryonyx or Spinosaurus, its long snout bears a greater resemblance to that of a modern crocodile. In fact, its name means "crocodile mimic." The Suchomimus, which can weigh up to 2.5 tons and measure up to 9.5 meters in length, has large claws on its hands that allow it to catch and kill fish and small animals.
DISCOVERY
Suchomimus is a relatively recent discovery in the world of dinosaurs, as the first fossil was found in 1997. A team led by American paleontologist Paul Sereno found several bones, including a large claw, while exploring an area in Gadoufaoua, Niger. A year later, their find was classified as a new genus named Suchomimus.
PALEOECOLOGY
Suchomimus dates back to the Early Cretaceous, about 112-121 million years ago. It lived in the tropical climate of Niger, near floodplains and rivers where vegetation was abundant. It shared its environment with a wide variety of dinosaur genera, such as Nigersaurus and Ouranosaurus.
PERIOD: Early Cretaceous
HEIGHT: 3 M
DIET: Piscivorous, Carnivorous, Live Baits
FAMILY: Spinosauridae
LENGTH: 9.5 M
WEIGHT: 2.5 T
TAPEJARA
Easily recognizable by its unique appearance, Tapejara, whose name means "ancient being," is a genus of pterosaur native to Brazil. It had a colorful crest on the top of its head that could reach a meter in length and served to attract mates. Its wingspan, approximately 4 meters, makes it one of the smaller pterosaurs.
DISCOVERY
We don't have much information regarding the history of Tapejara, as only one confirmed specimen has been recovered to date. The first classification of the genus was by Alexander Kellner in 1989; In the following years, new fossils were found that were initially classified as Tapejara, but were later assigned to a new genus: Tupandactylus.
PALEOECOLOGY
Tapejara existed approximately 110 million years ago, during the Early Cretaceous. It soared through the skies of Brazil and dived into the water to fish, although some paleontologists believe it may also have fed on fruit or even the carcasses of dead animals.
PERIOD: Early Cretaceous
HEIGHT: 1.3 M
DIET: Piscivorous, Live Baits
FAMILY: Tapejaridae
WINGSPAN: 4 M
WEIGHT: 7 KG
THANATOSDRAKON
Native to South America, Thanatosdrakon is a large pterosaur that dates back to the Late Cretaceous period, around 86-89 million years ago. With a wingspan of approximately 9 m, this genus is the largest known pterosaur to have inhabited South America. Thanatosdrakon is known for its unusual appearance, thanks to its enormous head and long neck in comparison to the rest of its body.
DISCOVERY
Thanatosdrakon is one of the most recent paleontological discoveries. The first specimen was unearthed in the Plottier Formation in the Mendoza region of Argentina in 2018. Leonardo Ortiz David, a university researcher, found the remains, and the new genus was quickly named Thanatosdrakon, an impressive name that translates as "the dragon of death."
PALEOECOLOGY
This genus coexisted with other dinosaurs and diverse fauna along the rivers and floodplains of the Neuquén region, where it hunted small dinosaurs and reptiles. Fish and other aquatic animals. Due to its impressive size and ability to fly, it is believed to have been the apex predator of its habitat.
PERIOD: Late Cretaceous
HEIGHT: 8.9 M
DIET: Piscivorous, Live Baits
FAMILY: Azhdarchidae
LENGTH: 8.9 M
WEIGHT: 250 KG
THERIZINOSAURUS
Therizinosaurus is a genus of herbivorous dinosaur in the therizinosaur family that lived in Asia during the Late Cretaceous. It could weigh over 4,000 kg. The genus name translates as "scythe lizard," referring to its large claws. It is believed that Therizinosaurus had the longest claws of any living animal (over 50 cm).
DISCOVERY
The first Therizinosaurus specimen was recovered in 1948 by the USSR Academy of Sciences during an excavation in the Nemegt Formation (Mongolia). The find consisted of three claw bones larger than those previously discovered. The remains were formally described six years later by the Soviet paleontologist Evgeny Maleev.
PALEOECOLOGY
Analysis of Therizinosaurus fossils has led experts to believe that this genus lived about 70 million years ago and roamed near rivers and forests in search of vegetation. Information from the fossils suggests that the Therizinosaurus's diet consisted of high-altitude vegetation, such as tree branches and large shrubs. It shared its environment with the apex predator Tarbosaurus.
PERIOD: Late Cretaceous
HEIGHT: 5 M
DIET: Soil Paleobotanical
FAMILY: Therizinosaurus
LENGTH: 10 M
WEIGHT: 5 T
TRICERATOPS
The Triceratops, a herbivorous dinosaur, is one of the largest ceratopsians, measuring approximately 9 meters long and weighing 12 tons. It is very popular due to its large bony frill and the three horns on its head that give it its name (meaning "three-horned face"). The Triceratops' diet consisted mainly of ground vegetation, although its size allowed it to knock down larger plants to feed.
DISCOVERY
The Triceratops was discovered in 1887 when George Lyman Cannon found a partial skull with two horns near Denver, Colorado, and sent the specimen to the renowned paleontologist Othniel Charles Marsh. Initially, it was thought to belong to a large bison, but two years later, Marsh realized it was a previously unknown genus of horned dinosaur, which he named Triceratops.
PALEOECOLOGY
This genus lived in the United States approximately 66–68 million years ago, during the Late Cretaceous period, in forests and plains where food was readily available. Several dinosaurs coexisted with Triceratops, such as Torosaurus, Ankylosaurus, and Stygimoloch, although Triceratops needed its horns to defend itself against predators like Tyrannosaurus.
PERIOD: Late Cretaceous
HEIGHT: 3.6 M
DIET: Soil Paleobotanical
FAMILY: Ceratopsidae
LENGTH: 8.9 M
WEIGHT: 12 T
TROODON
The Troodon is a small carnivorous dinosaur of the genus Troodon with long, slender legs that allow it to run at high speeds to catch its prey. Its name means "wounding tooth" in Greek, referring to its sharp incisors, while this theropod's large eyes allow it to hunt in the dark. The Troodon's brain, considerable for its size (it is only 0.9 m tall), makes it one of the most intelligent dinosaurs.
DISCOVERY
The Troodon, initially classified as a lizard after being discovered by the American paleontologist Joseph Leidy in 1855, was officially reclassified as a dinosaur in 1901 by Franz Nopcsa. Leidy discovered the first Troodon fossil (a serrated tooth) in the Judith River Formation of Montana, a site where a large number of paleontological remains have been found.
PALEOECOLOGY
Troodon lived approximately 65-75 million years ago, during the Late Cretaceous period. Fossils discovered in northern Alaska seem to indicate that this dinosaur preferred cold climates, although teeth attributed to Troodon have been found as far south as Texas and New Mexico.
PERIOD: Late Cretaceous
HEIGHT: 1 M
DIET: Carnivorous, Live Baits
FAMILY: Troodontidae
LENGTH: 2.5 M
WEIGHT: 35 KG
TROPEOGNATHUS
Tropeognathus, a piscivorous pterosaur, lived in South America during the Early Cretaceous, about 110 million years ago, and is one of the largest pterosaurs that ever existed, with a wingspan of over 8 meters. Tropeognathus means "keel jaw," referring to the elongated ridges on its jaw, which it uses to maintain balance when diving for fish.
DISCOVERY
In 1987, German paleontologist Peter Wellnhofer officially named Tropeognathus after his department received a pterosaur skull found in the Romualdo Formation in Ceará, Brazil. Since then, more have been discovered. New fossils were discovered nearby, including a nearly complete skeleton missing only its tail and parts of its hind legs in 2013.
PALEOECOLOGY
Experts believe that Tropeognathus lived along the coasts of South America, nesting in elevated areas out of reach of predators and diving into the sea and nearby lakes to catch its prey. It shared its habitat with various dinosaurs, such as the pterosaur Cearadactylus.
PERIOD: Early Cretaceous
HEIGHT: 1.8 M
DIET: Piscivorous, Live Baits
FAMILY: Anhangueridae
WINGSPAN: 8 M
WEIGHT: 20 KG
TSINTAOSAURUS
Famous for its distinctive duck-billed snout and striking head crest, Tsintaosaurus is a herbivorous hadrosaurid that could reach 10 meters in length and weigh over 3 tons. Despite its relatively large size, Tsintaosaurus was capable of walking on all fours or two legs, as well as reaching high speeds to escape predators. It is named after the place of its discovery: Qingdao, China.
DISCOVERY
Tsintaosaurus was discovered in 1950, when a series of hadrosaurid bones were found in the Jingangkou Formation in Shandong. Although many of the bones were attributed to existing genera, one partial skeleton required further analysis, so it was sent to the respected Chinese paleontologist C. C. Young. It wasn't until 1958 that Young officially declared it a new genus, naming it Tsintaosaurus.
PALEOECOLOGY
Tsintaosaurus dates back to the Late Cretaceous, approximately 71–84 million years ago. It coexisted with a wide variety of dinosaurs, such as Sinoceratops and the large predator Zhuchengtyrannus. Due to the dry climate of China at that time, Tsintaosaurus lived near rivers and swamps, where it had ample water and food.
PERIOD: Late Cretaceous
HEIGHT: 3.9 M
DIET: Soil Paleobotanical
FAMILY: Hadrosauridae
LENGTH: 10 M
WEIGHT: 3 T
TYRANNOSAURUS REX
Tyrannosaurus rex, the most famous of all dinosaurs, has a fearsome reputation worldwide due to its size, strength, and aggression—a status conferred by its name, which means "king of the tyrant lizards." Approximately 13.5 meters long and weighing over 8 tons, Tyrannosaurus rex was the apex predator of its time, possessing the strongest jaw known to science and several rows of large, serrated teeth.
DISCOVERY
American geologist Arthur Lakes claimed the discovery of Tyrannosaurus rex after finding several teeth in the Morrison Formation in Colorado. Initially, the teeth were thought to belong to an Ornithomimus, but in 1900, while researching in Wyoming, Barnum Brown discovered a partial skeleton that was classified as Tyrannosaurus rex five years later, the genus to which the teeth found by Lakes were also attributed.
PALEOECOLOGY
Tyrannosaurus rex inhabited western North America during the Late Cretaceous, approximately 66-68 million years ago. As the apex predator of this period, it fed on a wide variety of prey, such as hadrosaurs, ankylosaurs, and even large sauropods, and used its excellent hearing and keen sense of smell to hunt its prey.
PERIOD: Late Cretaceous
HEIGHT: 5.2 M
DIET: Carnivore, Live Baits
FAMILY: Tyrannosauridae
LENGTH: 13.5 M
WEIGHT: 8.4 T
UTAHRAPTOR
As you might have guessed from its name, the theropod dinosaur Utahraptor lived in the Utah region of the western United States during the Early Cretaceous. Measuring five meters in length and weighing around 300 kilograms, Utahraptor is one of the largest and slowest genera in the dromaeosaurid family. Since it was unable to outrun most smaller dinosaurs, this genus relied on its sickle-shaped claws and powerful bite to ambush its prey.
DISCOVERY
Utharaptor was discovered in 1975 by the respected American paleontologist Jim Jensen during an excavation at the Dalton Wells Quarry in Utah. However, it wasn't until 1993 that the genus was formally named. James Kirkland, a prolific paleontologist also responsible for naming ten other dinosaurs, christened it Utahraptor, "thief of Utah."
PALEOECOLOGY
Fossil findings show that Utahraptor roamed North America approximately 125-130 million years ago. Experts are divided on its historical diet: while it is believed to have fed primarily on smaller dinosaurs, its ability to hunt in packs means it could have preyed on much larger sauropods that shared its ecosystem.
PERIOD: Late Cretaceous
HEIGHT: 1.5 M
DIET: Carnivore, Live Baits
FAMILY: Dromaeosaurus
LENGTH: 5 M
WEIGHT: 300 KG
VELOCIRAPTOR
The Velociraptor's reputation as one of the most terrifying dinosaurs is well-deserved. Its significance lies not in its size (at just 4 meters long, it is very small compared to other, less intimidating genera), but in its ferocity and intelligence. With long, sharp teeth and scythe-like claws, the Velociraptor was a highly efficient predator that hunted herbivorous dinosaurs like Protoceratops, although its relative lack of strength made it unlikely to attack large or armored dinosaurs.
DISCOVERY
In 1923, Peter Kaisen discovered the first Velociraptor fossil, finding a complete skull and a foot claw during an expedition to the Gobi Desert in Outer Mongolia with the American Museum of Natural History. The specimen was sent to Henry Fairfield Osborne for study at the New York museum and was named Velociraptor ("swift thief"), alluding to its speed and predatory behavior.
PALEOECOLOGY
Velociraptor remains have only been found in the Djadochta Formation in Mongolia, suggesting that this genus lived in that area some 70-74 million years ago during the Late Cretaceous. The climate at that time was desert-like, so Velociraptor frequented rivers and streams, where its prey came in search of vegetation.
PERIOD: Late Cretaceous
HEIGHT: 1.7 M
DIET: Carnivore, Live Baits
FAMILY: Dromaeosauridae
LENGTH: 3.9 M
WEIGHT: 226 KG
YUTYRANNUS
Yutyrannus is a carnivorous dinosaur of the tyrannosauroid family, a distant relative of the terrifying Tyrannosaurus rex, known for the long feathers on its body and tail. In fact, at nearly 9 meters long, this genus is the largest known carnivorous dinosaur with feathers, giving rise to the name Yutyrannus, which translates as "feathered tyrant."
DISCOVERY
The exact location of the original discovery of Yutyrannus is unclear. The first specimens were obtained through a fossil dealer who claimed they were unearthed from a quarry in Liaoning Province, China, but this has never been officially confirmed. A team of experts led by the esteemed Chinese paleontologist Xu Xing formally described this genus in 2012 and gave it the specific name Yutyrannus huali. The Chinese term "huali" means "beautiful," likely a reference to its feathers.
PALEOECOLOGY
This genus lived during the Early Cretaceous period in northeastern China and may have needed its plumage to regulate its temperature in the cold climate. The discovery of three different specimens together has led experts to believe that Yutyrannus hunted in groups and survived on a diet of small dinosaurs, mammals, and fish.
PERIOD: Early Cretaceous
HEIGHT: 2.5 M
DIET: Carnivore, Live Baits
FAMILY: Proceratosauridae
LENGTH: 8.25 M
WEIGHT: 1.3 M
Created Mar 1
Updated Mar 1
Published Mar 1