Daspletosaurus torosus - Lu zhi sheng measures: 11.6" L x 1.7" W x 3.9" H
Daspletosaurus torosus is a species of theropod dinosaur that lived during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 77 to 74 million years ago. It belonged to the family Tyrannosauridae, which includes some of the most well-known and largest predatory dinosaurs, such as Tyrannosaurus rex.
Daspletosaurus torosus was a large theropod, though not as massive as T. rex. It reached lengths of around 25 to 30 feet (7.5 to 9 meters).
It had a robust build with a large head, powerful jaws, and strong hind limbs. Like other tyrannosaurs, it had tiny, two-fingered forelimbs.
The first fossils of Daspletosaurus torosus were discovered in the Two Medicine Formation of Montana, USA.
The species was named by Canadian paleontologist Dale Russell in 1970.
Name Meaning:"Daspletosaurus" is derived from the Greek words "daspletos," meaning "frightful," and "sauros," meaning "lizard" or "reptile."
"Torosus" means "muscular" in Latin.
Daspletosaurus torosus inhabited what is now western North America during the Late Cretaceous. The environment was likely a mix of forests, plains, and river systems.
Daspletosaurus was a top predator in its ecosystem, preying on large herbivorous dinosaurs. It likely had a similar ecological role to other tyrannosaurs as an apex predator.
Relationship to Other Tyrannosaurs:
Daspletosaurus is considered a close relative of other tyrannosaurs like Gorgosaurus and Tarbosaurus.
Like many non-avian dinosaurs, Daspletosaurus torosus became extinct around 66 million years ago during the Cretaceous-Paleogene (K-Pg) mass extinction event.
Studying fossils of Daspletosaurus and other tyrannosaurs provides valuable insights into the ecology and evolution of these iconic predators during the Late Cretaceous period.
-
Small Parts. Not for children under 3 years.
