Mapusaurus Facts
Pronunciation: MAP-you-SORE-us
Name meaning: Earth Lizard
| Diet | Carnivore |
| Height | 4m |
| Length | 12.2m |
| Weight | 6 tonnes |
| Environment | Land |
| Era | Cretaceous |
| Period | Late Cretaceous |
| Type | Theropod |
| Location | Argentina |
Mapusaurus was a colossal theropod dinosaur that stalked the ancient landscapes of Argentina during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 100 million years ago. This massive predator belonged to a group of shark-toothed hunters and was one of the largest land predators ever discovered, rivalling even the famous Tyrannosaurus rex in size.
Measuring up to 12.2 metres in length and standing 4 metres tall at the hip, Mapusaurus was a formidable carnivore with powerful jaws lined with sharp, serrated teeth perfect for slicing through flesh. Its muscular build and long, strong legs suggest it was an active hunter capable of pursuing large prey across the Cretaceous plains of what is now Patagonia.
What makes Mapusaurus truly remarkable is that multiple individuals were found together in a single bone bed, suggesting these giant theropods may have lived and hunted in groups - a behaviour rarely seen in such large predators. This discovery has revolutionised our understanding of how the biggest carnivorous dinosaurs might have behaved.
The fossils were discovered in rose-coloured rock formations, which inspired both the species name M. roseae and honours sponsor Rose Letwin who supported the excavation work that brought this incredible dinosaur to light.
What made Mapusaurus distinctive?
Mapusaurus had a massive skull with powerful jaws filled with sharp, knife-like teeth designed for slicing meat. Its body was robustly built with strong, muscular legs and relatively small arms typical of large theropod predators.
Behaviour
Evidence suggests Mapusaurus may have lived and hunted in groups, as multiple individuals were found buried together. This pack-hunting behaviour would have made them incredibly effective at taking down large prey, including giant sauropod dinosaurs.
Discovery
Mapusaurus was first described by Rodolfo Coria and Philip J. Currie in 2006. The original fossils were discovered at Huincul Formation, Neuquén Province, Argentina.
Mapusaurus FAQ
What did Mapusaurus eat?
Mapusaurus was a carnivore that hunted large prey including sauropod dinosaurs and other herbivorous dinosaurs. Its sharp, serrated teeth were perfectly designed for slicing through meat and bone.
How big was Mapusaurus?
Mapusaurus reached lengths of up to 12.2 metres and stood about 4 metres tall at the hip. It weighed approximately 6 tonnes, making it one of the largest land predators that ever lived.
When did Mapusaurus live?
Mapusaurus lived during the
Late Cretaceous period, specifically during the Cenomanian-Turonian ages, approximately 100.5 to 93.9 million years ago.
Where was Mapusaurus found?
Mapusaurus fossils were discovered in Argentina, specifically in the Huincul Formation in Neuquén Province, Patagonia. The fossils were found in distinctive rose-coloured rock layers.
How do you pronounce Mapusaurus?
Mapusaurus is pronounced 'MAP-you-SORE-us', with emphasis on the first and last syllables.
What does Mapusaurus mean?
Mapusaurus means 'Earth Lizard', derived from the Mapuche word 'mapu' meaning earth or land, combined with the Greek word 'saurus' meaning lizard.
How fast could Mapusaurus run?
The exact running speed of Mapusaurus is unknown, but its long, powerful legs suggest it was capable of pursuing prey effectively across the Cretaceous landscape.
What type of dinosaur was Mapusaurus?
Mapusaurus was a theropod dinosaur, specifically belonging to the family Carcharodontosauridae, a group of large carnivorous dinosaurs known for their shark-like teeth.
Was Mapusaurus related to birds?
Yes, as a theropod dinosaur, Mapusaurus was distantly related to modern birds. All birds are descendants of small theropod dinosaurs, though Mapusaurus itself was far too large and specialised to be a direct ancestor.
How many Mapusaurus fossils have been found?
Between seven and nine individual Mapusaurus specimens have been found, all discovered together in a single bonebed excavated between 1997 and 2001, making it one of the richest finds of large predatory dinosaurs ever discovered.
