Allosaurus
PALAEONTOLOGICAL RECORD
Allosaurus is a genus of theropod dinosaur that lived 155 to 145 million years ago during the Late Jurassic period. The first fossil remains that could definitively be ascribed to this genus were described in 1877 by Othniel C. Marsh. The name "Allosaurus" means "different lizard", alluding to its lightweight vertebrae, which Marsh believed were unique. The genus has a very complicated taxonomy and includes at least three valid species, the best known of which is A. fragilis. The bulk of Allosaurus remains come from North America's Morrison Formation, with material also known from the Alcobaça, Bombarral, and Lourinhã formations in Portugal. It was known for over half of the 20th century as Antrodemus, but a study of the abundant remains from the Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry returned the name "Allosaurus" to prominence. As one of the first well-known theropod dinosaurs, it has long attracted attention outside of paleontological circles.
DISCOVERY
First described by Othniel Charles Marsh in 1877.
DIETARY PROFILE
Varied diet, famous for preying on heavily armored dinosaurs like Stegosaurus.
NOTABLE PALAEONTOLOGY FACTS
- Allosaurus jaws could act like a hatchet, slamming down on prey to inflict maximum bleeding.
- Fossil evidence shows extensive combat injuries, particularly spiked tail punctures from Stegosaurus.
HOLLYWOOD INACCURACIES
- Appearance is somewhat shrink-wrapped but generally adheres to paleontological norms.
- Juvenile portrayed initially, adults appear later.
