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272 / Mesozoic
Torvosaurus
Torvosaurus tanneri
A huge skull and unusually powerful three-fingered arms marked one of the largest megalosaurids.
- Time range
- About 153–148 million years ago
- Final stage
- Late Jurassic
- Geographic range
- River plains and open woodland · North America
01 / DEFINITION & ECOLOGY
What was Torvosaurus?
Torvosaurus (Torvosaurus tanneri) was an extinct organism known from About 153–148 million years ago, with a range in River plains and open woodland · North America.
Life and ecology
Torvosaurus hunted large dinosaurs. Its longer skull and stronger forelimbs suggest tactics distinct from Allosaurus.
02 / DISAPPEARANCE
Why did Torvosaurus disappear?
Late Jurassic turnover ended large North American megalosaurids before new theropod groups rose.
03 / EVIDENCE
How do scientists know about Torvosaurus?
Morrison skull, arm, vertebral and tooth fossils define its form; Portuguese embryos illuminate reproduction in close relatives.
04 / SOURCES & FURTHER READING
Check the source record
Use the scientific name to compare taxonomy, occurrence records and the fossil record. Database coverage and classifications may differ.
05 / REVISION HISTORY
How has this record changed?
- Verified authoritative entity sources and added three responsive reconstruction sizes.
- Initial bilingual species record published.
06 / CORRECTIONS & ADDITIONS