Megalosaurus Description
Megalosaurus was a large, bipedal, carnivorous theropod dinosaur from England’s Middle Jurassic period, characterized by a big head, powerful jaws with serrated teeth, a flexible neck, robust hind legs, relatively short but strong forelimbs, and a long, balancing tail, making it an apex predator with a build similar to later tyrannosaurs but smaller and leaner.
Could You Outrun a Megalosaurus?
Megalosaurus’s speed is estimated to be around 20 miles per hour (32 km/h), suggesting it wasn’t the fastest predator but could move quickly enough to hunt, potentially reaching this top speed for short bursts, making it relatively agile for its size despite being a large theropod. Estimates vary slightly, but generally place it in the 20-25 mph range, slower than some other famous carnivores but still capable.
Are You Bigger Than a Megalosaurus?
Megalosaurus, the first dinosaur named, was a formidable Middle Jurassic predator. It is typically estimated to be around 6 to 9 meters (20 to 30 feet) long, weighing roughly 700 to 1000 kilograms (1 to 2 tons), with a robust, heavily muscled build and powerful jaws reaching around 20.6 thousand newtons. Though its exact size is debated due to fragmentary fossils, Megalosaurus is still quite the formidable and magnificent creature.
Fun Facts
- Megalosaurus was the first dinosaur to be scientifically named
- Was at first thought to be a lumbering, quadrupedal, bear-like creature
- Megalosaurus had a stiff tail for balance
- Megalosaurus was a top Jurassic predator
- Megalosaurus lived alongside Iguanodon
Dino-mite Equations!
Question #1: What would half of three minimum-weight Megalosaurus weigh?
Answer #1
1.5 tons!
Question #2: What is the combined bite force of 4 Megalosaurus?
Answer #2
82.4 newtons!
VelociLogic 