Majungasaurus
Majungasaurus
The Majungasaurus was a large theropod dinosaur that lived during the Late Cretaceous period, about 70 to 66 million years ago. It was a relatively stocky and robust predator, measuring around 20 to 26 feet (6 to 8 meters) in length and weighing approximately 1 to 1.5 tons.
Majungasaurus belonged to the Abelisauridae family, a group of theropods known for their short, powerful forelimbs, large heads, and distinctive, often lopsided skulls. It had a broad, deep skull with a large, blunt snout and a specialized set of teeth that suggest it may have preyed on smaller dinosaurs, reptiles, and possibly scavenged carrion.
One of the most notable features of Majungasaurus was its unique asymmetrical skull, with a noticeable bulge on one side of the head. This could indicate that it engaged in head-butting or other forms of intraspecific combat, potentially for dominance or mating rights.
Fossils of Majungasaurus have been primarily found on the island of Madagascar, which was an isolated landmass at the time, and it likely lived in a varied environment with coastal plains, rivers, and forests. The behavior of Majungasaurus, though speculative, suggests it could have been an opportunistic hunter and scavenger, using its powerful bite and agility to subdue its prey.
Overall, Majungasaurus was a fierce and highly specialized predator of its time, adapted to its unique environment in the Late Cretaceous.
Locality: Madagascar
Formation: Maevarno
Length: 61 cm (2’)
Skull: $4,264
Skeleton: $59,000