Carcharodontosaurus (meaning "shark-toothed lizard") was a genus of carcharodontosaurid theropod dinosaur that lived during the Middle Cretaceous period in what is now Africa. It was a deadly predator, armed with sharp claws and a long maw full of serrated, knife-like teeth. A combination of size, speed and strength, they could potentially hunt alone or in packs. They were larger than Tyrannosaurus rex, at 13.5 metres long, making them the 3rd largest land carnivore to have ever existed.
Description[]
Carcharodontosaurus had a 1.8 metre long skull, currently making it the theropod with the second largest skull, right after its close cousin, Giganotosaurus. It was a carnosaur, related to Allosaurus, Australovenator, Mapusaurus, and Giganotosaurus. It had a long, thin skull with over fifty 20 cm, blade-like teeth in its powerful jaws. It had somewhat short arms with 3 sharp talons on each hand. It had long, powerful legs, suggesting speed for such a big animal. It could grow 5.2 metres tall and weigh up to 4-5 tonnes. The shark-toothed lizard also had a long tail designed for balance while moving, and to help counterbalance it's large head.
Paleoecology[]
Carcharodontosaurus lived in Mid Cretaceous North Africa, alongside Sarcosuchus and Spinosaurus.
It hunted large sauropods like Paralititan, and often fought amongst themselves, often for food, territory, or mates, like all theropods did. It also probably fought among other carnivores, like Sarcosuchus or Spinosaurus, for food and territory as well. It had the niche of apex predator in its environment.
In Wonderbook: Walking with Dinosaurs[]
Carcharodontosaurus appeared in concept art for Wonderbook, with most of it being focused on a pair of brothers, but was cut for unknown reasons. It was likely replaced with Mapusaurus
List of Appearances[]
- Walking With Dinosaurs: The Official Sticker Album (mentioned)
- Wonderbook: Walking with Dinosaurs (cut)
Appearances In Related Media[]
Although Carcharodontosaurus never made an appearance in the original Walking with Dinosaurs series or any of its specials.
Dinosaur Planet[]
Read more at the Dinosaur Planet Wiki
Monsters Resurrected[]
Read more at the Monsters Resurrected Wiki
Planet Dinosaur[]
Read more at the Planet Dinosaur Wiki