Allosaurus fragilis

Allosaurus fragilis

Allosaurus fragilis is a species of large theropod dinosaur that lived during the late Jurassic period, approximately 155 to 150 million years ago. It is one of the most well-known species of the genus Allosaurus, which is part of the family Allosauridae. The name "Allosaurus" means "different lizard" and "fragilis" refers to the light construction of its vertebrae.

Description

Allosaurus fragilis was a bipedal predator characterized by a large skull with dozens of sharp, serrated teeth. It had a massive tail, a robust body, and relatively short arms with three-fingered hands. The average length of an adult Allosaurus fragilis was about 8.5 meters (28 feet), though some individuals could grow larger. It is estimated to have weighed between 1.5 to 2 tons.

Discovery and Fossils

The first fossils of Allosaurus fragilis were discovered in the Morrison Formation of North America, a rich source of late Jurassic dinosaur fossils. The species was first described by the paleontologist Othniel Charles Marsh in 1877. Numerous specimens have been found, making it one of the best-studied theropods of its time.

Paleobiology

Allosaurus fragilis was a carnivorous dinosaur that likely preyed on large herbivorous dinosaurs such as Stegosaurus and Camarasaurus. Its hunting strategy may have involved ambush tactics, using its powerful jaws to deliver fatal bites. Some paleontologists suggest that Allosaurus may have hunted in packs, although this is still a topic of debate.

Pathology

Fossil evidence shows that Allosaurus fragilis individuals often suffered from injuries and diseases. Many skeletons exhibit healed fractures and signs of infection, indicating that these dinosaurs led violent lives, possibly due to intraspecific combat or hunting accidents.

Cultural Significance

Allosaurus fragilis has been featured in numerous films, documentaries, and books, often depicted as a quintessential predator of the Jurassic period. Its popularity in media has made it one of the most recognizable dinosaurs to the public.

Also see

• Theropoda
• Jurassic period
• Dinosaur
• Paleontology
• Morrison Formation

[[File:{{{image}}}|250px|alt=|]] Authority:{{{subdivision_ranks}}}:

Taxobox
Kingdom:
Phylum:
Class:
Order:
Family:	'