In short, the Allosaurus were strong carnivores that probably endured just into the Early Cretaceous (the Berriasian Stage, it seems likely because a finger bone was found from this time) They were after all, the 'Lions of the Jurassic'.Īllosaurus gave its family their name, and the Allosaurs lasted for tens of millions of years, only being replaced in importance during the Cretaceous. Nevertheless, for its day, it was top of the line in a general context, and a deadly carnivore rivalled by few other Theropods on Earth in the Late Jurassic Period, outclassing the more primitive Ceratosaurs and Coelophysoideans. Allosaurus' name translates to 'Strange Lizard' or 'Other Lizard'. One relative of Allosaurus, Saurophaganax maximus, could grow to over 13 metres long, 4 metres tall, and weigh up to 4 tonnes, making it one of the largest known theropods. It's max size (not counting Epanterias amplexus) is 12 metres long and a max weight of 2.5 tonnes. It was 10 metres on average, 4.5 metres high, and weighing 1.5-2 tonnes. It was of a more primitive line of Theropods than the later Tyrannosaurs for example, and this group declined with their rise.
Walking with Dinosaurs: The Arena SpectacularĪllosaurus was one of the largest Late Jurassic predators. Late Jurassic Period (155-145 Ma Kimmeridgian and Tithonian Stages)ĭiplodocus, Apatosaurus, Dryosaurus, carrion