Carnotaurus (Carnotaurus sastrei) is a theropod dinosaur that lived in what is now Argentina during the Cretaceous period, approximately 72 to 69 million years ago. It stands out for its unmistakable appearance and distinctive features.
Carnotaurus was a relatively large dinosaur, although it did not reach the dimensions of other theropods such as Tyrannosaurus rex. It measured around 8 to 9 meters in length and its weight is estimated to be around 1.5 to 2 tons. One of the most notable characteristics of this species is its unique and specialized head.
The head of Carnotaurus was short and wide, with an extremely deep and narrow lower jaw. Their teeth were sharp and conical, suitable for tearing the flesh of their prey. However, the most striking thing about its head is the prominent horns that protrude from its temples. These horns were bony structures that could have had functions related to display and intraspecific competition.
In addition to its distinctive head, Carnotaurus had a muscular and robust body, with relatively small arms compared to its body size. Their hind limbs were powerful and adapted for bipedal locomotion. It is believed that he was a fast and agile runner, able to chase and capture his prey effectively.
The skin of Carnotaurus has been depicted with scales in artistic reconstructions, although no direct fossil evidence has been found to confirm this appearance. Its coloration is uncertain, since it has not been possible to determine with certainty. Some speculation suggests that it may have had similar coloration to other predatory dinosaurs, such as earthy tones or even a camouflage pattern.
Regarding its diet, it is believed that Carnotaurus was a carnivore that fed mainly on other dinosaurs and small animals. Its sharp teeth and powerful jaw would have allowed it to tear the flesh of its prey.
Approximate measurements of Carnotaurus:
Carnotaurus was a relatively large dinosaur, although it did not reach the dimensions of other theropods such as Tyrannosaurus rex. It measured around 8 to 9 meters in length and its weight is estimated to be around 1.5 to 2 tons. One of the most notable characteristics of this species is its unique and specialized head.
The head of Carnotaurus was short and wide, with an extremely deep and narrow lower jaw. Their teeth were sharp and conical, suitable for tearing the flesh of their prey. However, the most striking thing about its head is the prominent horns that protrude from its temples. These horns were bony structures that could have had functions related to display and intraspecific competition.
In addition to its distinctive head, Carnotaurus had a muscular and robust body, with relatively small arms compared to its body size. Their hind limbs were powerful and adapted for bipedal locomotion. It is believed that he was a fast and agile runner, able to chase and capture his prey effectively.
The skin of Carnotaurus has been depicted with scales in artistic reconstructions, although no direct fossil evidence has been found to confirm this appearance. Its coloration is uncertain, since it has not been possible to determine with certainty. Some speculation suggests that it may have had similar coloration to other predatory dinosaurs, such as earthy tones or even a camouflage pattern.
Regarding its diet, it is believed that Carnotaurus was a carnivore that fed mainly on other dinosaurs and small animals. Its sharp teeth and powerful jaw would have allowed it to tear the flesh of its prey.
Approximate measurements of Carnotaurus:
- 1:35 scale - 2-piece assembly kit
- Length 239 mm
- Height 86 mm
- Width 46 mm
- Snout-tail length 257mm
- 1:20 scale - 2-piece assembly kit
- Length 419 mm
- Height 150 mm
- Width 81 mm
- Snout-tail length 450 mm
