Tyrannosaurus torosus - Definition and Overview

The dinosaur Daspletosaurus, or frightful lizard had a head as large as the later Tyrannosaurus rex, with just as vicious teeth. With such large teeth, this carnivorous dinosaur may have been able to attack and kill heavily plated species of dinosaurs, like ankylosaurs. One Daspletosaurus is usually referred to as a Daspletosaur, and two or more are Daspletosaurs.

It has been suggested that Daspletosaurus is a direct ancestor to Tyrannosaurus. The massive, stocky build of the two tyrannosaurids and certain similarities in skull structures seem to be indicators of a close phylogenic relationship between the two genera. Some have even gone further to suggest that Daspletosaurus is actually a species of Tyrannosaurus (Daspletosaurus torosus = Tyrannosaurus torosus), but this has not been universally accepted.

Currently, one species of Daspletosaurus, D. torosus, has been officially recognized. However, a recent Tyrannosaur find in Montana is thought to be that of a new (still un-named) Daspletosaur species. The skull of this find seems to indicate a more "Tyrannosaurus-like" animal than D. torosus, possibly indicating a intermediate form between D. torosus and T. rex. Weight 4 short tons (3.6 tonnes)

Length 28 feet (8.5 metres)

Found Alberta, Canada; Montana, USA

Period Late Cretaceous

Family tyrannosaurids