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Dinosaurs A:Z | M

 

Dinosaurs: Megalosaurus (Big Lizard)

 

What is a Megalosaurus?

 

Megalosaurus was a large meat-eating dinosaur that lived during the mid-Jurassic period, around 168 to 165 million years ago. It is famous for being the first dinosaur ever named.

 

 

How big was Megalosaurus?

 

Length: Megalosaurus could grow up to 9 meters (30 feet) long.

Weight: They weighed around 1 ton, which is about the same as a small car!

 

 

Appearance

 

Megalosaurus had a distinct look with its two powerful hind legs, short arms with three-fingered hands, and long sharp claws. It had a strong, short neck and a large head filled with sharp serrated teeth. Megalosaurus looked a bit like a giant, fearsome lizard.

 

Megalosaurus

 

Generative AI Notification: Some elements of this image have been created or enhanced using AI technology. To find out how we create all our dinosaurs, click here.

 

 

What did Megalosaurus eat?

 

Megalosaurus was a carnivore, meaning it only ate meat. Its sharp teeth and claws were perfect for catching and eating other dinosaurs.

 

 

Where did Megalosaurus live?

 

Fossil remains of Megalosaurus have been found in what is now Oxfordshire, England. It lived during the mid-Jurassic period and was one of the top predators of its time.

 

 

Interesting facts

 

• Megalosaurus was the first dinosaur ever given a name, back in 1824.

• Its name means "big lizard," although it wasn't the biggest dinosaur around.

• It belonged to a group of dinosaurs called Megalosauridae.

• Scientists are not sure if Megalosaurus had feathers, but it might have had some, like its relative Sciurumimus.

 

Megalosaurus Facts Pronounced: MEG-a-low-SAW-rus Name Means: "Big Lizard" Length: 30 feet (9 m) Height: 10 feet (3 m) Weight: 1 ton (1,000 kg) Diet: Carnivore (Meat) Time: Middle Jurassic Habitat: Coastal Woodland Fossils Found: Africa, Europe

 

Which family of Dinosaurs did Megalosaurus belong to?

 

Megalosaurus was part of a group of dinosaurs called Megalosauridae which also included dinosaurs such as Eustreptospondylus and Afrovenator.

 

 

Megalosaurus FAQ

 

Q1: What is a Megalosaurus?

A1: Megalosaurus was a large, carnivorous dinosaur that lived during the Middle Jurassic period, around 166 million years ago. It was one of the first dinosaurs to be scientifically named and described.

Q2: How big was the Megalosaurus?

A2: Megalosaurus could grow up to 9 meters (30 feet) long and weigh around 1.1 metric tons (2,400 pounds).

Q3: What did Megalosaurus eat?

A3: Megalosaurus was a carnivore, meaning it ate meat. It likely hunted other large dinosaurs and possibly scavenged for food.

Q4: How did Megalosaurus move?

A4: Megalosaurus was a bipedal dinosaur, meaning it walked on two legs. It had strong hind legs for running and sharp claws for catching prey.

Q5: Where have Megalosaurus fossils been found?

A5: Fossils of Megalosaurus have been discovered in Europe, particularly in the United Kingdom.

Q6: What makes Megalosaurus unique among dinosaurs?

A6: Megalosaurus is unique because it was the first dinosaur to be scientifically named and described in 1824. It also had large, three-toed feet with prominent claws.

Q7: How do scientists learn about Megalosaurus?

A7: Scientists study fossils, including bones and footprints, to learn about Megalosaurus. They also use modern technology like CT scans and 3D modeling to examine the fossils in detail.

Q8: Did Megalosaurus live alone or in groups?

A8: It's not entirely clear, but some evidence suggests that Megalosaurus may have lived and hunted alone.

Q9: What new discoveries have been made about Megalosaurus?

A9: Recent discoveries include new trackways in the UK, revealing more about how Megalosaurus and other dinosaurs moved and interacted in their environments.

Q10: Why is Megalosaurus important to study?

A10: Studying Megalosaurus helps scientists understand more about the early discoveries in dinosaur science and the diversity of life during the Jurassic period.

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