
Overview
Carnotaurus sastrei was a large, carnivorous theropod dinosaur that lived during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 72 to 69 million years ago. It is known for its distinctive horns above the eyes and a highly streamlined body, making it one of the most unique theropods.
Carnotaurus was a medium-sized predator, measuring about 25 feet (7.5 meters) in length and weighing around 1.5 tons. Its name means “meat-eating bull,” a reference to its bull-like horns and carnivorous diet.
Quick Facts
Diet
Carnivore (large herbivorous dinosaurs)
Speed
~30 mph (estimated)
Weight
~1.5 tons (1,360 kg)
Length
~25 ft (7.5 m)
Bite Force
~3,000 psi (estimated)
Discovery & Significance
Carnotaurus was first discovered in 1984 in Argentina by paleontologist José Bonaparte. The discovery included an almost complete skeleton, making it one of the best-preserved theropods ever found. Its unique features, such as the horns and short arms, have made it a subject of fascination for scientists and the public alike.
The horns of Carnotaurus are thought to have been used for display, combat, or species recognition. Its short arms, even smaller than those of T. rex, were likely vestigial and had little functional use.
Physical Characteristics
Carnotaurus had a deep, robust skull with powerful jaws and sharp teeth, ideal for tearing through flesh. Its most distinctive feature was the pair of thick, horn-like structures above its eyes, which may have been used in intraspecific combat or display.
Its body was streamlined, with long, powerful hind limbs adapted for speed. Carnotaurus is believed to have been one of the fastest large theropods, capable of reaching speeds of up to 30 mph. Its skin impressions, preserved in the fossil record, reveal a pattern of small, non-overlapping scales.