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poekilopleuron: carnivore dinosaur from the Jurassic era

Poekilopleuron Facts

Pronunciation: PEE-kil-oh-PLOO-ron

Name meaning: Varied Rib

Diet	Carnivore
Height	3m
Length	9m
Weight	1.5 tonnes
Environment	Land
Era	Jurassic
Period	Middle Jurassic
Type	Theropod
Location	France

Poekilopleuron was a large theropod dinosaur that stalked the landscapes of what is now France during the Middle Jurassic period, approximately 168 to 166 million years ago. Though its status remains somewhat uncertain due to limited fossil evidence, it represents one of the earlier discoveries of large predatory dinosaurs in Europe. The creature was named for its distinctive ribcage features, which set it apart from other theropods of its time.

As a substantial predator, Poekilopleuron likely measured around 9 metres in length and stood about 3 metres tall at the hip, making it one of the larger carnivorous dinosaurs of the Middle Jurassic. Like other theropods, it walked on two powerful legs and possessed sharp teeth designed for slicing through flesh. Its arms were likely equipped with clawed hands for grasping prey, though the exact details of its anatomy remain partly speculative due to the fragmentary nature of the fossil record.

This formidable hunter would have preyed upon the various herbivorous dinosaurs and other animals that shared its environment in ancient France. The Middle Jurassic landscape was warm and humid, with lush vegetation supporting diverse ecosystems that provided ample hunting opportunities for apex predators like Poekilopleuron.

Tragically, our understanding of Poekilopleuron has been hampered by the destruction of its original fossil remains during World War II air raids. However, casts made of the original specimens before their loss continue to provide valuable scientific information about this intriguing prehistoric predator.

What made Poekilopleuron distinctive?

Poekilopleuron was characterised by distinctive rib structures that gave the dinosaur its name, meaning 'varied rib'. As a large theropod, it possessed the typical predatory features of sharp, serrated teeth and powerful clawed hands, though specific details remain uncertain due to limited fossil evidence.

Behaviour

As a large theropod, Poekilopleuron was likely an active predator that hunted other dinosaurs and large animals in its Middle Jurassic environment. It probably used its powerful legs for pursuit and its sharp teeth and claws to subdue prey, though specific hunting strategies remain speculative given the limited fossil evidence.

Fun Facts About Poekilopleuron

Poekilopleuron was named after William Buckland, the famous geologist who first described dinosaurs scientifically, with its species name being P. bucklandii
The original Poekilopleuron fossils were tragically destroyed during Allied bombing raids on Caen, France, during World War II in 1944
Despite the loss of the original specimens, plaster casts made before the war's destruction still exist and continue to be studied by palaeontologists today
Poekilopleuron was one of the first large theropod dinosaurs discovered in France, helping to establish our early understanding of European dinosaur fauna
The name Poekilopleuron has appeared in scientific literature under various spelling variants, though only the original spelling is considered valid today

Discovery

Poekilopleuron was first described by Jacques Amand Eudes-Deslongchamps in 1838. The original fossils were discovered at Calvados, Normandy, France.

Poekilopleuron FAQ

What did Poekilopleuron eat?

Poekilopleuron was a carnivore that fed on other animals, likely including smaller dinosaurs, large reptiles, and possibly fish. Its sharp, serrated teeth were well-suited for slicing through meat and bone.

How big was Poekilopleuron?

Poekilopleuron was estimated to be around 9 metres long and 3 metres tall at the hip, weighing approximately 1.5 tonnes. However, these measurements are somewhat uncertain due to the fragmentary nature of the fossil evidence.

When did Poekilopleuron live?

Poekilopleuron lived during the Middle Jurassic period, specifically during the Bathonian stage, approximately 168 to 166 million years ago.

Where was Poekilopleuron found?

Poekilopleuron fossils were discovered in Calvados, Normandy, France. The specimens were found in Middle Jurassic rock formations dating to around 168-166 million years ago.

How do you pronounce Poekilopleuron?

Poekilopleuron is pronounced 'PEE-kil-oh-PLOO-ron', with emphasis on the first and third syllables.

What does Poekilopleuron mean?

Poekilopleuron means 'varied rib' in Greek, referring to the distinctive rib structures found in the original fossil specimens that distinguished it from other theropods.

How fast could Poekilopleuron run?

The running speed of Poekilopleuron is unknown due to insufficient fossil evidence. However, as a large theropod predator, it likely possessed reasonable speed for hunting, though probably not as fast as smaller, more lightly built theropods.

What type of dinosaur was Poekilopleuron?

Poekilopleuron was a theropod dinosaur, specifically classified within the family Megalosauridae. It was a large, bipedal carnivorous dinosaur that lived during the Middle Jurassic period.

Was Poekilopleuron related to birds?

Yes, as a theropod dinosaur, Poekilopleuron was part of the group that eventually gave rise to modern birds. However, it lived much earlier than the first known birds and was quite different from its flying descendants.

How many Poekilopleuron fossils have been found?

Very few Poekilopleuron fossils are known, and the original holotype specimens were destroyed during World War II bombing. Only plaster casts of the original material remain, making this dinosaur one of the more poorly understood theropods.