Introduction to Dilophosaurus Dinosaur
Dilophosaurus is a genus of large carnivorous dinosaur that lived during the Early Jurassic period. It is one of the earliest known members of the carnosaur group, which includes some of the largest and best-known carnivorous dinosaurs. Dilophosaurus was a large theropod, measuring up to seven meters long and weighing several tons. This beast of the past was an apex predator, meaning that it had no natural enemies. The remaining fossils of this animal have shed light on its life, giving us a glimpse into a time before the days of Tyrannosaurus Rex.
Physical Description of Dilophosaurus Dinosaur
The Dilophosaurus was one of the largest theropod dinosaurs that existed during the Early Jurassic period. It was around seven meters long, and it is estimated to have weighed somewhere between 1.5 to 3 tons. Its body was powerful and muscular, with robust limbs and a long, powerful tail. It had a large head to accommodate its powerful jaws, which it used to catch and eat its prey. It had small, narrow eyes, and its eyes were set in a deep, curved eye socket.
The Dilophosaurus also had a distinguishing feature – it had a large pair of curved crests located on top of its head. The crests are thought to be used for a variety of purposes, such as for display and recognition, recognition of the sexes and the intimidation of its predators.
Habitat of Dilophosaurus Dinosaur
The Dilophosaurus lived in a variety of environments during the Early Jurassic period. It is known from fossils found in places ranging from desert-like environments to wet and swampy areas.
Most fossils have been found in sedimentary rocks, which suggests that Dilophosaurus lived mainly on land. They may also have spent some time in shallow, coastal seas, where they could hunt prey like fish and other aquatic animals. In addition, fossils found in areas with a great variety of vegetation, such as coniferous forests, suggest that the Dilophosaurus may have also eaten plants and fruits.
Behavior of Dilophosaurus Dinosaur
The Dilophosaurus was a carnivorous dinosaur, meaning it primarily ate other animals for sustenance. With its powerful jaws and sharp teeth, it could easily take down smaller prey such as lizards, small mammals, and even other large dinosaurs. It was an apex predator, meaning it had no natural enemies.
The Dilophosaurus was also an active hunter, roaming its environment in search of prey. It could move quickly on its hind legs and run at speeds of over 20 mph. It is also thought that it chased down and killed its prey in packs, chasing them until they were too exhausted to keep running.
Discovery of Dilophosaurus Dinosaur
The Dilophosaurus was first discovered in 1942, when paleontologist Charles Lewis Camp found fossils in Arizona. The fossils were part of the Kayenta Formation, a formation that dates back to the Early Jurassic period. The species was named Dilophosaurus wetherilli, in honor of the rancher who collected the specimens.
The first comprehensive study of this species was conducted in 1969, when paleontologist Robert Bakker named the species. In 1991, paleontologist Steven E. Jasinski conducted the first detailed study of this large theropod, providing more insight into its evolutionary history.
Conclusion
The Dilophosaurus was one of the first large carnivorous dinosaurs to appear during the Jurassic period. It was a formidable predator, with powerful jaws and sharp teeth. Its large physical size meant that it was capable of taking down even other large dinosaurs. It is also one of the most studied theropods, and its discovery has shed light on evolutionary phenomena from the Early Jurassic period. Despite the mystery that still surrounds its extinction, the Dilophosaurus remains one of the most iconic dinosaurs from the Age of Dinosaurs.