Allosaurus: Primal Predator Punch Out
Sitting atop of the food chain during the late Jurassic period, Allosaurus was one of the most formidable dinosaur predators to ever exist. This powerful theropod, weighing in at over 6500 kg, roamed the earth during the late Jurassic period, competing with other top predators of the time, such as Ceratosaurus, Stegosaurus, and Camarasaurus. Allosaurus boasted an intimidating, bony-armored skull, a massive jaw lined with razor-sharp teeth, and three rows of long, backward-curving claws adorning each foot; all the weapons necessary to stalk and take down prey.
The Discovery and Unveiling of Allosaurus
In 1877, the American paleontologist, Othniel Charles Marsh, discovered the first ever Allosaurus fossil in Colorado, USA. After this find, more and more Allosaurus fossils began to be unearthed throughout the Western United States and Europe, allowing for more and more discoveries about this primal predator. After painstakingly assembling and examining an array of Allosaurus specimens, Marsh unveiled a reconstruction of Allosaurus to the world, opening up an entirely new window into the predator-filled environment of the late Jurassic period. This was the first time that anyone had seen an Allosaurus skeleton in the flesh, and it was truly a remarkable sight.
Rounded Body and Powerful Limbs
Allosaurus had a unique physical appearance compared to other theropods such as Tyrannosaurus Rex. Its body was much more rounded and stockier than the long and strong frames of the T-Rex. Allosaurus also had more flexible joints, allowing for a greater range of motion in its limbs and neck. This was beneficial for hunting, as Allosaurus could move quickly and accurately when chasing down its prey. On each of its limbs, Allosaurus had three curved claws, which could be used as weapons, as well as aids in climbing.
Jaws of Death and Razor-Sharp Teeth
No formidable predator is complete without a dangerous set of jaws and teeth – and Allosaurus was no exception. Allosaurus possessed both a powerful jaw, full of long and sharp teeth, as well as a bony, bony-armored skull. This combination allowed for Allosaurus to deliver devastating bites when taking down its prey. The teeth were curved and serrated, giving Allosaurus a bite force almost as powerful as a T-Rex.
The Hunting Habits of Allosaurus
Scientists believe that Allosaurus would have been an ambush predator, lying in wait for its unsuspecting prey. Once detected, Allosaurus could move quickly and accurately, utilizing its powerful legs and claws to chase down whatever unfortunate creature strayed too close. It is thought that Allosaurus mostly fed on large, terrestrial animals such as Stegosaurus, Camarasaurus, and other large Saurischians. Allosaurus was clever and organized too; researchers have discovered Allosaurus toe prints at the edges of lakes, suggesting that the predator may have coordinated hunting with its fellow saurischians.
Allosaurus; the King of the Late Jurassic
Allosaurus was one of the premier predators of the late Jurassic period. This powerful theropod possessed a unique physical appearance, impressive speed and agility, as well as devastating weaponry. Allosaurus was wise and organized, forming hunting parties with its fellow saurischians to take down large prey such as Stegosaurus and Camarasaurus. Allosaurus truly was the king of the late Jurassic period, and its legacy lives on today, with its fossils still being unearthed, and its impressive physical attributes still captivating the minds of dinosaur fans around the world.