Acrocanthosaurus
Pronunciation:
Ak-roh-kan-tho-sore-us
Name Meaning:
“High-spined lizard”
Dinosaur Classification:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Reptilia
- Order: Saurischia
- Suborder: Theropoda
- Family: Carcharodontosauridae
- Genus: Acrocanthosaurus
- Species: A. atokensis
Dinosaur Description:
Acrocanthosaurus is a large theropod dinosaur that lived during the Early Cretaceous period, around 115 million years ago. It was a fearsome predator, reaching lengths of up to 38 feet (11.5 meters) and standing about 12 feet (3.6 meters) tall at the hips. One of the most distinguishing features of Acrocanthosaurus is the series of high neural spines that ran along its neck, back, and tail. These spines gave the dinosaur its name, meaning “high-spined lizard.”
Paleontologists believe that the tall neural spines may have supported a muscular hump or sail along the back, though their exact function remains debated. This feature likely contributed to thermoregulation, storage of fat, or even a display function to attract mates or intimidate rivals.
Acrocanthosaurus was a member of the Carcharodontosauridae family, closely related to other large predatory dinosaurs like Carcharodontosaurus and Giganotosaurus. Its robust skull was equipped with serrated teeth, which were ideal for slicing through the flesh of its prey. The dinosaur’s long, muscular legs indicate that it was built for walking and running over long distances, allowing it to stalk or ambush large herbivorous dinosaurs, such as the sauropods and ornithopods that shared its environment.
This predator’s fossilized remains suggest that it was among the top predators of its ecosystem, competing with other large carnivores for dominance in what is now North America. The skeletal structure and fossils have provided crucial insights into how predatory dinosaurs evolved over time and adapted to different environments.
Dinosaur Diet and Behavior:
Acrocanthosaurus was a carnivorous predator that fed on large herbivorous dinosaurs. Its prey likely included sauropods, ornithopods, and potentially ankylosaurs. Acrocanthosaurus may have used its size and strength to ambush or overpower prey. As a top predator, it would have had few competitors, though it may have occasionally faced off against other large theropods.
Dinosaur Size:
Acrocanthosaurus grew up to 38 feet (11.5 meters) in length and stood about 12 feet (3.6 meters) tall at the hips.
Dinosaur Weight:
Acrocanthosaurus weighed approximately 6.2 tons (12,000 to 14,000 lbs), making it one of the largest theropods of its time.
Fossil Discoveries:
The first fossils of Acrocanthosaurus were discovered in 1940 in Oklahoma, USA, and additional remains have been found in Texas and Wyoming. The most complete skeleton, known as “Fran,” was found in the 1980s in Atoka County, Oklahoma. This discovery allowed paleontologists to study the detailed anatomy of Acrocanthosaurus, including its high-spined vertebrae and robust limbs. Acrocanthosaurus fossils have also been found in trackways, which show evidence of its behavior and movement patterns.
What Period Did The Dinosaur Live:
Acrocanthosaurus lived during the Early Cretaceous period, around 115 to 105 million years ago.
Notable Facts or Trivia:
– Acrocanthosaurus is known for its high neural spines, which may have supported a sail or hump.
– It was one of the largest theropods of the Early Cretaceous period.
– Acrocanthosaurus is closely related to other large theropods, such as Carcharodontosaurus and Giganotosaurus.
– Fossilized trackways suggest that Acrocanthosaurus was a capable and fast-moving predator.
Scientific Significance:
Acrocanthosaurus is significant for several reasons. Its discovery helped fill a gap in the fossil record for large theropods in North America during the Early Cretaceous. The detailed preservation of its skeleton and trackways has provided paleontologists with valuable insights into the biomechanics, movement, and behavior of large predatory dinosaurs. Additionally, the distinctive neural spines of Acrocanthosaurus have prompted further study into the evolution of dinosaur adaptations and their functional significance.
Extinction & Legacy:
Acrocanthosaurus, like many other dinosaurs, became extinct at the end of the Cretaceous period. Despite this, its fossils have left an enduring legacy in paleontology. It has become a symbol of the large predatory dinosaurs that ruled North America before the rise of more famous predators like Tyrannosaurus rex. Acrocanthosaurus remains one of the most well-known and studied theropods from the Early Cretaceous period.