Eustreptospondylus
Order: Saurischia · Suborder: Theropoda Infraorder · Family: Eustreptospondylidae
The remains of Eustreptospondylus were among the first to be named by Sir Richard Owen in 1841, one year before he published the term dinosaur for the first time. The skeleton of thiscarnivore is on display at the University Museum in Oxford. It resembles Meglosaurus, the first dinosaur to be named (1824). Eustreptospondylus was related to Allosaurus which appeared in the Late Jurassic. Its head was large, and its long jaws were lined with sharp, serrated teeth.
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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 Eustreptospondylus mean?
The name Eustreptospondylus means “Well-Reversed Vertebrae”. It is pronounced you-strep-tuh-SPON-dih-lus.
When did Eustreptospondylus live?
Eustreptospondylus lived during the Middle Jurassic.
Was Eustreptospondylus a carnivore or a herbivore?
Eustreptospondylus was a carnivore.
How big was Eustreptospondylus?
Eustreptospondylus was about 23 feet (7.0 meters) long, around 10 feet (3.0 meters) tall, weighing up to 2,500 pounds (1,134 kg).
Related dinosaurs
Other dinosaurs from the Eustreptospondylidae family.
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