Introduction
Millions of years ago, Africa was home to some of the most remarkable creatures to ever roam the earth. While they were diverse, two of the most impressive – Africanus and Allosaurus – stood above the rest as the monsters of Jurassic Africa.
Their size, power and ferocity ensured they created a massive ecological impact during the Mesozoic Era, leaving behind a legacy of awe and fascination.
In this article, we will examine their characteristics and unique abilities, as well as why they are considered two of the most impressive creatures to ever come out of Africa.
The Africanus
The Africanus was one of the most feared predators of the Mesozoic Era. Measuring an incredible 20 to 25 feet in length and weighing an astounding 4 tons, it was the largest land animal of its time.
These huge creatures had a massive head and powerful, sharp teeth, which made them perfect for hunting their prey. They also had long, powerful legs, which allowed them to reach speeds of up to 30 miles per hour.
The Allosaurus
The Allosaurus was another feared predator of the Mesozoic Era and a contemporary of the Africanus. It measured up to 20 feet in length and weighed an estimated 2 tons.
Unlike the Africanus, the Allosaurus had an elongated tail, strong claws and a very powerful bite which allowed it to capture and deliver its prey to its mouth. It also had four throwing horns on its head, which it used to attract mates and ward off rivals.
Behavior & Hunting
The Africanus and Allosaurus were both ferocious predators, capable of taking down the largest dinosaurs found in Africa during the Mesozoic Era. While the Africanus was solitary, the Allosaurus was often found in packs in order to take down larger prey.
The Africanus and Allosaurus hunted by stalking their prey and then pouncing upon them from behind. They could then either use their sharp teeth to tear apart the prey, or use their powerful jaws to crush the bones.
Physical Characteristics Comparison
It is clear that while both the Africanus and Allosaurus were impressive creatures in their own right, they had some distinct physical characteristics that set them apart.
The Africanus had a wider and more powerful head than the Allosaurus, which allowed it to take down larger prey. It also had short but powerful legs, which enabled it to reach speeds of up to 30 miles per hour.
The Allosaurus had a longer and more slender tail than the Africanus, which allowed it to turn more quickly in pursuit of prey. It also had very impressive claws, which it used to capture and deliver its prey to its mouth.
Conclusion
The Africanus and Allosaurus were two of the most impressive creatures to come out of Africa during the Mesozoic Era. Their impressive physical characteristics and ability to take down the largest dinosaurs of their time made them two of the most feared predators in the region.
So, while their diet, size and behavior differed, they both enjoyed a fearsome reputation and left behind a legacy of awe and fascination.