# Allosaurus (*Allosaurus fragilis*)

Allosaurus was a prehistoric dinosaur known for its distinctive features. Scientists study its bones to learn about how dinosaurs lived.

- **Category:** [Ancient](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/ancient)
- **Rarity:** Common
- **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low
- **Habitat:** Mesozoic forests and floodplains
- **Also known as:** Allosaurus fragilis

![Allosaurus](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771424343/objects/5755.jpg)

## Appearance

The Allosaurus is a large, bipedal predator with a powerful build. It has distinctive bony crests above its eyes, making its head look rugged. Its skin likely varied in earthy tones of green, brown, or grey.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Animalia

## Interesting facts

- Allosaurus was the top predator in North America for millions of years!
- Fossil evidence suggests Allosaurus might have hunted in packs, like wolves!
- It could open its jaw incredibly wide, taking massive bites from prey!
- Its name means 'different lizard' because of its unique vertebrae!

## Special abilities

- **Slicing Jaw Power:** Allosaurus can deliver devastating bites because of its sharp, serrated teeth that help them slice through tough hide and flesh.
- **Bone-Crushing Grip:** Allosaurus has strong, three-fingered hands with sharp claws that help them grasp and hold onto large, struggling prey.
- **Crested Vision:** Allosaurus has unique bony crests above its eyes that likely helped them recognize others of their species or intimidate rivals.

## Measurements & details

- **Length:** 8.5-10 m
- **Weight:** 1500-2000 kg
- **Era:** Ancient (Late Jurassic)
- **Extinct Millions Years Ago:** 145

## Diet & Feeding

A fierce meat-eater that hunted large plant-eating dinosaurs like Stegosaurus and Apatosaurus.

- **Primary Foods:** Stegosaurus, Camarasaurus, Apatosaurus, other large dinosaurs
- **Foraging Method:** Pursuit

## Ecological connections

- **Hunts:** [Stegosaurus](https://www.snappit.app/explore/stegosaurus) (*Stegosaurus stenops*) — A primary prey animal, easily injured by Allosaurus bites.
- **Hunts:** [Camarasaurus](https://www.snappit.app/explore/camarasaurus) (*Camarasaurus supremus*) — Frequently preyed upon, especially juveniles or sick individuals.
- **Hunts:** [Apatosaurus](https://www.snappit.app/explore/apatosaurus) (*Apatosaurus ajax*) — Hunted by Allosaurus, particularly juveniles or the weak.

## Traits

- [Ancient](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/ancient): Ancient refers to organisms, objects, or geological formations that have existed for an extremely long period.
- [Artifact](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/artifact): An artifact is an object made or modified by human culture, typically of historical or archaeological interest.
- [Fossil](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/fossil): A fossil is the preserved remains or traces of an ancient organism embedded in rock or other geological deposits.
- [Giant](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/giant): Giant describes organisms or objects of significantly larger size than average for their species or type.

## Collections

- [Ancient](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/ancient)

## Safety

**Danger:** 1/5 · Very low

While extremely dangerous in their time, this creature is now extinct.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Allosaurus?

Compare skull shape, horns, plates, limbs, posture and tail. Museum models and toys can mix features or follow outdated reconstructions. Dinosaur Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

### How long is Allosaurus?

8.5-10 m

### How much does Allosaurus weigh?

1500-2000 kg

### What does Allosaurus eat?

A fierce meat-eater that hunted large plant-eating dinosaurs like Stegosaurus and Apatosaurus.

### Where is Allosaurus usually found?

Mesozoic forests and floodplains

### How does Allosaurus hunt?

Pursuit

### What geologic era did Allosaurus live in?

Ancient (Late Jurassic)

### When did Allosaurus go extinct?

145

## More Ancient

- [Tyrannosaurus rex](https://www.snappit.app/explore/tyrannosaurus-rex) (*Tyrannosaurus rex*)
- [Triceratops](https://www.snappit.app/explore/triceratops) (*Triceratops horridus*)
- [Stegosaurus](https://www.snappit.app/explore/stegosaurus) (*Stegosaurus stenops*)
- [Brachiosaurus](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brachiosaurus) (*Brachiosaurus altithorax*)

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Source: [Allosaurus: Characteristics, Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/allosaurus)