The Sarcosaurus was a small theropod dinosaur that lived during the Early Jurassic approximately 202 million years ago. This dinosaur was also a member of the Pholidosauridae family, which includes similar types of theropod dinosaurs.
Key facts
| Domain | Description |
|---|---|
| Sarcosaurus pronunciation | Sahr-koh-sore-us |
| What does Sarcosaurus mean? | Lesh lizard |
| Dinosaur type | Theropod |
| On the menu | Carnivore |
| Length | 16′ 4″ (5 meters) |
| Height | 11′ (3.35 m) |
| Weight | 308 lbs (140 kg) |
| Life expectancy | 50-60 years of age |
| Legs used to get around | Bipedal |
| Estimated top speed | Move at a normal speed. But this dinosaur also preferred to lay down and stay in the water at times, just like an alligator. |
| When they lived | During the Early Jurassic Period, 202-195 million years ago. |
| Where they have been found? | England |
When & Where
The remains were found in the Lower Lias of England. It was only in 1921 that the remains were defined by Charles William Andrew (British Paleontologist) after the discovery of an almost complete skeleton of the dinosaur.
Size & Weight
The Sarcosaurus Is Believed To Have Reached A Length Of 16′ 4″ (5 Meters), A Height Of 11′ (3.35 M), And A Weight Of 308 Lbs (140 Kg).
Mobility & Diet
They are believed to have primarily eaten large fish as their prey. It is still currently a debate on whether this dinosaur hunted or not.
Interesting Points
- The Sarcosaurus was considered to be one of the strongest and largest reptiles from the Cretaceous, being a close relative of the Alligator. 75% of its snout makes up the length of its skull, making this dinosaur’s snout one of the largest.
- 2 different specimens have been discovered by paleontologists.
Featured Image Credit: Саша Багаев, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
