Mapusaurus

Filed under Cretaceous dinosaurs · Types of Dinosaurs editorial team

Order: Saurischia · Suborder: Theropoda · Infraorder: Carcharodontosauria · Family: Carcharodontosauridae

Mapusaurus was a massive carnivorous theropod dinosaur that roamed South America during the Late Cretaceous period. Its name means "Earth lizard," derived from the Mapuche language. This giant predator belonged to the Carcharodontosauridae family and was closely related to the similarly enormous Giganotosaurus. Mapusaurus measured approximately twelve meters, or 39 to 41 feet, in length, making it one of the apex predators of its time.

The most intriguing aspect of Mapusaurus comes from the fossil record itself. Paleontologists discovered a bone bed in Argentina containing the remains of multiple individuals of varying sizes, a finding that sparked considerable scientific debate. Some researchers have suggested this concentration of remains may indicate that these giant theropods gathered together, and possibly even hunted cooperatively—behavior that would have been remarkable for such immense predators. The exact details of their social behavior remain uncertain, however, as interpretations of bone bed assemblages continue to evolve.

Armed with narrow, blade-like teeth designed for slicing flesh, Mapusaurus was well-equipped to hunt the colossal sauropods that shared its Patagonian habitat. As one of the dominant predators of its ecosystem, Mapusaurus exemplified the extraordinary scale of Late Cretaceous life in South America.

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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.

Related dinosaurs

Other dinosaurs from the Carcharodontosauridae family.