Tyrannosaurus
Order: Saurischia · Suborder: Theropoda · Infraorder: Tetanurae · Family: Tyrannosauridae
One of the largest-ever flesh-eating land animals, Tyrannosaurus is also the most famous. For example, it has been featured in more movies than any other single dinosaur. Tyrannosaurus had a huge skull with powerful jaws lined with 7-inch (18-cm) serrated teeth. Contrary to earlier conceptionsof sluggish mobility, Tyrannosaurus is now thought by some to have been capable of bursts of up to 30 mph (48 km/h). In contrast to its massive legs, Tyrannosaurus had relatively short, small arms. Although they seem vestigal and useless, they were powerful enough to lift over 450 pounds (270 kg). Tyrannosauruswas found in North America and Asia. The most famous species isTyrannosaurus rex from North America; Tyrannosaurus bataar from Asia was formerly known as Tarbosaurus.
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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 Tyrannosaurus mean?
The name Tyrannosaurus means “Tyrant Lizard”. It is pronounced tye-RAN-uh-SAWR-us.
When did Tyrannosaurus live?
Tyrannosaurus lived during the Late Cretaceous.
Was Tyrannosaurus a carnivore or a herbivore?
Tyrannosaurus was a carnivore.
How big was Tyrannosaurus?
Tyrannosaurus was about 50 feet (15.2 meters) long, around 23 feet (7.0 meters) tall, weighing up to 16,000 pounds (7,258 kg).
Related dinosaurs
Other dinosaurs from the Tyrannosauridae family.
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