Appalachiosaurus
Carnivore·Late Cretaceous·Central Alabama, USA·Bipedal
Appalachiosaurus was a genus of tyrannosauroid theropod dinosaur that lived during the Late Cretaceous period in what is now eastern North America. As a basal member of the Eutyrannosauria clade, it was closely related to true tyrannosaurids like Tyrannosaurus. This bipedal predator is known from a juvenile skeleton, suggesting adults would have been considerably larger.
Key Facts
- ›Appalachiosaurus was a tyrannosauroid theropod dinosaur from eastern North America.
- ›It lived during the middle Campanian age of the Late Cretaceous, approximately 77 million years ago.
- ›Fossils have been discovered in Alabama, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia.
- ›The known specimen is a juvenile, measuring about 6.5 meters (21 ft) long and weighing 623 kg (1,373 lb).
- ›Its diet was carnivorous, characterized by a powerful bite force.
- ›Notable features include unusual foot claws and a row of low crests on its snout.
- Bipedal predator
- Juvenile specimen measured approximately 6.5 m long and weighed 623 kg
- Adult size estimated to be significantly larger
- Unusual protrusion on the end of foot claws
- Row of six low crests along the top of the snout
- Skull bones show open sutures, indicating a juvenile individual
- Two fused tail vertebrae suggest a past injury
Tyrannosaurus, Albertosaurus, Gorgosaurus, Alioramus, Dryptosaurus
North America
About Appalachiosaurus
Appalachiosaurus is a genus of tyrannosauroid theropod dinosaur that inhabited eastern North America during the Late Cretaceous period. This dinosaur is considered a basal member of the Eutyrannosauria clade, meaning it was closely related to the iconic tyrannosaurids like Tyrannosaurus. Unlike some of its more famous relatives, Appalachiosaurus is primarily known from the fossilized remains of a juvenile individual.
Discovery and Naming
The type specimen of Appalachiosaurus was discovered in 1982 in the Demopolis Chalk Formation in central Alabama. The genus name, "Appalachiosaurus," directly references the Appalachian region of eastern North America, which was part of the ancient island continent where the dinosaur lived. The specific species, A. montgomeriensis, was named in honor of Montgomery County, Alabama. Both the genus and species were formally described and named in 2005 by paleontologists Thomas Carr and Thomas Williamson.
Description and Paleobiology
The sole known specimen represents a juvenile, estimated to be about 6.5 meters (21 feet) long and weighing approximately 623 kilograms (1,373 lb). It is understood that adult Appalachiosaurus would have been considerably larger. The fossil material includes parts of the skull, lower jaw, vertebrae, pelvis, and legs. Distinctive physical characteristics identified include an unusual protrusion on the end of its foot claws and a series of low crests lining the top of the snout, similar to those seen in the Asian dinosaur Alioramus. The skull bones exhibit open sutures, confirming its juvenile status. Paleobiological studies indicate that Appalachiosaurus possessed a powerful bite force, estimated at around 32,500 newtons (7,193 psi). Evidence of past trauma is suggested by two fused tail vertebrae, likely the result of an injury.
Classification and Distribution
Appalachiosaurus is classified as a tyrannosauroid, and its phylogenetic position has been a subject of study. Early analyses placed it within the Albertosaurinae subfamily of Tyrannosauridae, while others have positioned it as a basal tyrannosauroid outside of the Tyrannosauridae family. More recent analyses suggest it may be part of a group called Nanotyrannidae. Fossils of Appalachiosaurus have been found not only in Alabama but also in South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia, indicating a distribution across the eastern part of what is now North America during the Campanian age, approximately 77 million years ago.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of dinosaur was Appalachiosaurus?
Appalachiosaurus was a tyrannosauroid theropod dinosaur. It was a bipedal predator that belonged to the Eutyrannosauria clade, placing it relatively close to well-known tyrannosaurids such as Tyrannosaurus.
When and where did Appalachiosaurus live?
Appalachiosaurus lived during the Late Cretaceous period, specifically the middle Campanian age, about 77 million years ago. Its fossils have been found in what is now eastern North America, with primary discoveries in Alabama and additional material from South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia.
What is known about the size and appearance of Appalachiosaurus?
The only known specimen of Appalachiosaurus is a juvenile, measuring approximately 6.5 meters (21 ft) in length and weighing around 623 kilograms (1,373 lb). Based on this juvenile, adult sizes are estimated to have been significantly larger. Distinctive features include an unusual protrusion on its foot claws and a row of low crests along its snout.
What did Appalachiosaurus eat?
Appalachiosaurus was a carnivore. Evidence suggests it possessed a powerful bite force, estimated at around 32,500 newtons (7,193 pounds per square inch), indicating its predatory nature.
What is the scientific name and meaning of Appalachiosaurus?
The scientific name is Appalachiosaurus. The genus name means 'Appalachian lizard,' referencing the region of eastern North America where it lived and the Appalachian Mountains. The species name, A. montgomeriensis, honors Montgomery County, Alabama, where the type specimen was found.
Related Dinosaur species
Abelisaurus
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Acheroraptor
Acheroraptor is an extinct genus of dromaeosaurid theropod dinosaur that lived in North America during the Late Cretaceous period. It is known from fossil remains discovered in the Hell Creek Formation of Montana, United States. Acheroraptor is notable for being one of the geologically youngest dromaeosaurids, existing just before the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction event.
Achillobator
Achillobator was a large, heavily-built dromaeosaurid theropod dinosaur that inhabited Mongolia during the Late Cretaceous period. It is distinguished by its robust skeleton, deep maxilla, and primitive pelvis, contrasting with the generally lighter build of other dromaeosaurids. This predator likely hunted large prey using its enlarged sickle claw.