Where was Giganotosaurus discovered?

Giganotosaurus fossils were discovered in Patagonia, Argentina, in 1993 by amateur fossil hunter Rubén D. Carolini. The discovery site is part of the Candeleros Formation, known for its rich Cretaceous fossils.

What does the name Giganotosaurus mean?

The name Giganotosaurus means 'giant southern lizard,' reflecting both its enormous size and its discovery in the Southern Hemisphere.

When did Giganotosaurus live?

Giganotosaurus lived approximately 98 million years ago during the early part of the Late Cretaceous period, long before Tyrannosaurus rex appeared in North America.

How is Giganotosaurus different from Tyrannosaurus rex?

While both were giant carnivores, Giganotosaurus lived millions of years earlier and in South America. It had a longer, more slender skull, smaller arms, and may have been slightly longer but lighter than T. rex.

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Dinosaurs: Giganotosaurus (Giant Southern Lizard)

Q: What is Giganotosaurus?

Giganotosaurus was a massive carnivorous dinosaur that lived during the Late Cretaceous period, about 98 million years ago. It was one of the largest known theropods, closely related to other giant predators like Carcharodontosaurus and Mapusaurus.

Q: How big was Giganotosaurus?

Giganotosaurus is estimated to have reached lengths of around 12 to 13 meters (39 to 43 feet) and weighed between 6 and 8 metric tons, making it one of the largest meat-eating dinosaurs ever discovered.

Q: What did Giganotosaurus eat?

Giganotosaurus was a top predator that hunted large herbivorous dinosaurs such as the giant sauropods of South America. Its serrated teeth and powerful jaws were adapted for slicing through flesh.

Last updated: 28th Oct 2025

What is Giganotosaurus?

Giganotosaurus was a massive, meat-eating dinosaur that lived during the Late Cretaceous Period, about 98 million years ago, in what is now South America (Argentina). Its name means "giant southern lizard", and it is famous for being one of the largest land predators ever discovered. With its huge jaws, sharp teeth, and powerful legs, Giganotosaurus was truly a prehistoric giant!

How big was Giganotosaurus?

Giganotosaurus was one of the biggest carnivorous dinosaurs ever known. It could grow up to 12–13 metres (around 40–43 feet) long and stood about 4 metres (13 feet) tall at the hips. Weighing between 6 and 8 tons (as much as a large elephant), it rivalled, and may have even surpassed, the famous Tyrannosaurus rex in size!

Appearance

Giganotosaurus had a large head filled with sharp, blade-like teeth, a long and muscular tail for balance, and strong legs built for running. Its arms were shorter than its legs but still powerful, with three clawed fingers on each hand. It had a robust body and walked on two legs, much like other giant theropods.

The image portrays a realistic rendering of an Giganotosaurus dinosaur in a prehistoric desert setting. The Giganotosaurus is standing ion the edge of a prehistoric woodplain, with large fur and palm trees in the distance. Giganotosaurus

Generative AI Notiﬁcation: Some elements of this image have been created or enhanced using AI technology. To find out how we create all our dinosaurs, click here.

Realistic rendering of an Giganotosaurus dinosaur on a white background.

Giganotosaurus size compared to an adult human.

Giganotosaurus Facts

Pronounced: JY-guh-NO-tuh-SORE-us

Name Means: "Giant Southern Lizard"

Length: up to 12–13 metres (40–43 feet)

Height: up to 4 metres (13 feet)

Weight: about 6,000–8,000 kg (6–8 tons)

Diet: Carnivore (meat)

Time: Late Cretaceous (about 98 million years ago)

Fossils Found: South America (Argentina)

What did Giganotosaurus eat?

Giganotosaurus was a predator (carnivore) that hunted large dinosaurs. Scientists believe it fed on massive plant-eaters like the long-necked sauropods, such as Argentinosaurus. Its strong jaws and serrated teeth were perfect for biting through tough skin and bone.

Where did Giganotosaurus live?

Giganotosaurus lived in what is now Argentina, South America. During the Cretaceous Period, this region was warm, with forests and open plains, making it a good home for both giant predators and plant-eaters.

Interesting facts

Biggest Rival: Giganotosaurus may have competed with Tyrannosaurus rex for the title of largest meat-eating dinosaur.
Fossil Finds: The first skeleton was discovered in 1993 in Patagonia, Argentina.
Sharp Teeth: Its teeth could grow up to 20 centimetres (8 inches) long!
Pack hunter: Some scientists think Giganotosaurus may have hunted in packs, although this is still debated.

Which family of Dinosaurs did Giganotosaurus belong to?

Giganotosaurus was part of the Carcharodontosauridae family, a group of huge, meat-eating dinosaurs with sharp, serrated teeth. This family includes other giants like Carcharodontosaurus and Mapusaurus.

What other dinosaurs lived at the same time as Giganotosaurus?

Argentinosaurus: One of the largest sauropods ever discovered, and possible prey for Giganotosaurus.
Mapusaurus: A close relative and another giant carnivore from South America.
Ekrixinatosaurus: Another large meat-eater from the region.
Andesaurus: A long-necked, herbivorous dinosaur living alongside Giganotosaurus.

How fast was Giganotosaurus?

Giganotosaurus was built for speed compared to other giant predators. Scientists think it could run at speeds of up to 50 kilometres per hour (about 30 miles per hour) for short bursts, helping it chase down prey.

Was Giganotosaurus intelligent?

Giganotosaurus had a brain size similar to other large meat-eaters. While not as clever as modern birds, it was smart enough to hunt and survive in its prehistoric world.

What were the unique features of Giganotosaurus?

Giganotosaurus had several unique features:

• Teeth: Long, sharp, and serrated teeth for slicing meat.

• Arms and claws: Short, strong arms with sharp claws for holding prey.

• Ridges: Distinctive ridges above its eyes.

• Flexible jaw: Its jaws could open wide, helping it to bite off large chunks of meat.

Was Giganotosaurus bigger than Tyrannosaurus?

Giganotosaurus was one of the largest, but not the absolute biggest. It was similar in size to the famous Tyrannosaurus rex and even larger than Spinosaurus when comparing some fossil estimates. Scientists still debate which predator was the largest!

Giganotosaurus FAQ

Q1: What is an Giganotosaurus?

A1: Giganotosaurus was a large, carnivorous dinosaur that lived during the Late Cretaceous Period, about 98 million years ago, in what is now South America (Argentina). Its name means "giant southern lizard".

Q2: What does Giganotosaurus mean?

A2: Its name means "Giant southern lizard", named for its huge size and where it was found.

Q3: Was Giganotosaurus bigger than Tyrannosaurus rex?

A3: Giganotosaurus was about the same size or slightly larger than T-rex, depending on fossil estimates.

Q4: How long were Giganotosaurus teeth?

A4: Its teeth could grow up to 20 cm (8 inches) long!

Q5: Did Giganotosaurus have feathers?

A5: There is no direct evidence that Giganotosaurus had feathers; it was likely scaly.

Q6: Where did Giganotosaurus live?

A6: Giganotosaurus lived in what is now Argentina, South America.

Q7: Was Giganotosaurus fast?

A7: Yes, Giganotosaurus could run up to 50 km/h (30 mph) for short distances.

Q8: Did Giganotosaurus hunt in packs?

A8: Some evidence suggests that Giganotosaurus might have been a pack hunter, but scientists are still unsure.

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