Introduction to Allosaurus Dinosaur
The Allosaurus is a carnivorous dinosaur that lived during the Late Jurassic period, making it one of the most iconic dinosaurs of the Mesozoic Era. First discovered in 1877, the Allosaurus became widely known after it featured in the movie Jurassic Park. It has a body length of 24 – 30 feet, and weighed anywhere from 1,100 to 2,000 pounds.
Appearance and Adaptations
The Allosaurus was bipedal and had two large legs, strong back limbs, and a long thick neck. Its head was small and its eyes were large, allowing it to see far and wide. Its snout was short and its lower jaw was filled with rows of razor-sharp teeth. Its forelimbs were relatively short and had three digits with claws, which it used to grab prey.
The Allosaurus had a strong tail, which helped it keep its balance and move quickly. It moved by hopping or leaping forward and could reach speeds of up to 22 mph. Its skin was covered in bumps and scales, and it was likely an excellent hunter and scavenger.
Habitat and Diet
The Allosaurus lived in the plains, forests, and rivers of what is now North America, Europe, and Asia. Its preferred food was plant-eating dinosaurs such as Apatosaurus, Diplodocus, and Stegosaurus. It would use its strong claws and sharp teeth to tear into their flesh, sometimes even eating the bones. The Allosaurus also ate eggs, fish, and other small animals.
Mating and Reproduction
Our understanding of the Allosaurus’ mating and reproduction behavior is limited, but we do know that it was possibly a seasonal breeder. Because of its short neck, it likely courted its mate with a loud bellow-like call. After a successful courtship, the female would lay between one and four large eggs and bury them in a shallow nest.
Extinction and Legacy
The Allosaurus was one of the dominant dinosaurs during the Late Jurassic period, but it went extinct around 150 million years ago. It is believed to have been outcompeted by a new breed of carnivorous dinosaurs and the changing climate.
Today, the Allosaurus is one of the best known dinosaurs and is celebrated in museums, books, and movies. Its massive size and ferocious hunting habits have made it a permanent fixture in the world’s imagination.