Dinosaurs: Dilophosaurus
Dilophosaurus was a large meat-eater dinosaur that lived
during the early Jurassic. Unlike those portrayed in the movies, Dilophosaurus
was one of the largest predators of the early Jurassic reaching lengths of 20ft
(6m) and weighing up to 1000 pounds (450 kg)
Dilophosaurus gets its name due to two thin crests of
bone on the top of its head. These were probably used as a display to attract
mates.
Unlike later meat-eating dinosaurs, Dilophosaurus did not
have forward facing eyes to give it stereo vision. Scientists believe that it
may have used scent to locate its prey. It had a kinked upper jaw with a gap
between its front and back teeth. Dilophosaurus also had strong front arms which
would have been effective in grabbing its prey.
Fossilised footprints evidence suggest that Dilophosaurus
may have hunted in packs.
Dilophosaurus (Two-Ridge Lizard)
Pronounced: DYE-lo-fuh-SAW-rus
Name Means: "Two-Ridge
Lizard"
Length: 20 feet (6 m)
Height: 10 feet (3 m)
Weight: 1,000 pounds (450 kg)
Diet: Carnivore (Meat)
Time: Late Jurassic
Habitat: Scrub and
Open Woodland
Fossils Found: Asia, Western North America
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