# Cryolophosaurus (*Cryolophosaurus ellioti*)

Cryolophosaurus 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:** Rare
- **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low
- **Habitat:** Mesozoic forests and floodplains
- **Also known as:** Elvisaurus

![Cryolophosaurus](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Cryolophosaurus_skeleton.jpg&width=800)

Photo: WehaveaTrex, CC BY-SA 4.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cryolophosaurus_skeleton.jpg)

## Appearance

The Cryolophosaurus is a large, bipedal predator famous for its unique, fan-like crest that curves forward over its head. Its skin likely had earthy tones, perhaps with patterns, to blend into the ancient Antarctic forests.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Animalia

## Interesting facts

- Fossils of this dinosaur were found only 400 miles from the South Pole!
- It was one of the largest predators in Antarctica during its time.
- Its amazing head crest made it look like it was wearing a fancy crown.
- Its name means "frozen crested lizard," even though ancient Antarctica was much warmer then!

## Special abilities

- **Crest Communication:** Cryolophosaurus has a distinctive bony crest that helps them attract mates or signal to rivals, making it stand out.
- **Polar Prowler:** Cryolophosaurus can hunt in cooler ancient polar environments because its body was adapted to slightly colder temperatures.
- **Powerful Jaws:** Cryolophosaurus has strong jaws and serrated teeth that help them tear meat from prey, making them an effective hunter.

## Measurements & details

- **Length:** 6-8 m
- **Weight:** 350-460 kg
- **Era:** Early Jurassic
- **Extinct Millions Years Ago:** 190

## Diet & Feeding

This mighty dinosaur was a fierce meat-eater, hunting other animals in its ancient homeland.

- **Primary Foods:** Glacialisaurus hammeri, early sauropodomorphs, primitive synapsids
- **Foraging Method:** Pursuit

## Ecological connections

- **Hunts:** Glacial Lizard (*Glacialisaurus hammeri*) — A large plant-eating dinosaur it actively hunted.
- **Hunts:** Tritylodontid (*Tritylodon maximus*) — Preyed on these mammal-like reptiles for food.
- **Depends on:** Seed Fern (*Dicroidium odontopteroides*) — Lived in forests rich with these plants that supported its prey.

## Traits

- [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
- [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.

## 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 Cryolophosaurus?

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 Cryolophosaurus?

6-8 m

### How much does Cryolophosaurus weigh?

350-460 kg

### What does Cryolophosaurus eat?

This mighty dinosaur was a fierce meat-eater, hunting other animals in its ancient homeland.

### Where is Cryolophosaurus usually found?

Mesozoic forests and floodplains

### How does Cryolophosaurus hunt?

Pursuit

### What geologic era did Cryolophosaurus live in?

Early Jurassic

### When did Cryolophosaurus go extinct?

190

## 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: [Cryolophosaurus: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/cryolophosaurus)