Deinodon
Order: Saurischia · Suborder: Theropoda · Infraorder: Tetanurae · Family: Tyrannosauridae
Deinodon is known from fragmentary remains. Joseph Leidy, an anatomist from Philadelphia, named the first American dinosaurs in 1856 based on fossils brought back from Montana by Ferdinand Hayden. Leidy identified a jaw and 12 enormous teeth as belonging to a ferociousmegalosaurid he christened Deinodon horridus. Upon further analysis of the remains since Deinodon's discovery, the dinosaur was determined to actually be Tyrannosaurus, making Deinodon an invalid dinosaur.
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Reference background: Natural History Museum, London — Dinosaurs; Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History — Dinosaurs; American Museum of Natural History — Dinosaurs & Fossils. Figures are typical published ranges; taxonomy follows the source era and modern consensus is noted where it differs. See our sources & fact-check policy.
Frequently asked questions
What does Deinodon mean?
The name Deinodon means “Terrible Tooth”. It is pronounced DYE-no-don.
When did Deinodon live?
Deinodon lived during the Late Cretaceous.
Was Deinodon a carnivore or a herbivore?
Deinodon was a carnivore.
Related dinosaurs
Other dinosaurs from the Tyrannosauridae family.
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