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Was Carcharodontosaurus Bigger Than T. Rex?

Published in Dinosaur Sizes 2 mins read

Yes, Carcharodontosaurus was indeed larger than Tyrannosaurus Rex. This massive theropod dinosaur, which roamed what is now Northern Africa approximately 90 million years ago, stands out as one of the largest predatory dinosaurs ever discovered, recognized as even larger than Tyrannosaurus Rex.

A Gigantic Predator of Ancient Africa

Carcharodontosaurus earned its name, meaning "shark-toothed lizard," from its formidable, blade-like teeth, perfectly adapted for slicing through flesh. This apex predator dominated its ecosystem during the Late Cretaceous period, long before Tyrannosaurus Rex appeared in North America.

Size Comparison: Carcharodontosaurus vs. T. Rex

While both were undeniably colossal, Carcharodontosaurus often edges out T. rex in terms of overall length, though T. rex is frequently considered to have been more robust and potentially heavier for its length.

Feature Carcharodontosaurus Sahericus Tyrannosaurus Rex
Length Up to 13.5 meters (44 feet) Up to 12.3 meters (40.7 feet)
Weight Estimated 6 to 15 tons (often cited 8-10 tons) Estimated 6 to 9 tons (some large specimens up to 14 tons)
Habitat Northern Africa (e.g., Egypt, Morocco, Niger) Western North America
Time Period Approximately 100 to 90 million years ago (Late Cretaceous) Approximately 68 to 66 million years ago (Late Cretaceous)
Skull Length Up to 1.6 meters (5.2 feet) Up to 1.5 meters (5 feet)

Note: Dinosaur size estimates can vary between scientific studies and discovered specimens.

Key Differences Beyond Size

Beyond their sheer dimensions, Carcharodontosaurus and T. rex exhibited distinct anatomical features reflecting different evolutionary paths and hunting strategies:

  • Skull and Teeth:
    • Carcharodontosaurus possessed a relatively long, slender skull with numerous flattened, serrated, blade-like teeth. These teeth were ideal for shearing through the flesh of large herbivores, causing massive blood loss.
    • Tyrannosaurus Rex, in contrast, had a broader, more robust skull built for immense bite force. Its teeth were thick, conical, and banana-shaped, designed for crushing bone, indicating a powerful "puncture and pull" feeding style.
  • Forelimbs:
    • Carcharodontosaurus had moderately sized, three-fingered forelimbs, more proportionally developed than T. rex's.
    • Tyrannosaurus Rex is famous for its diminutive, two-fingered forelimbs, whose exact function remains a topic of scientific debate.
  • Geographical and Temporal Separation:
    • These two giants never met. Carcharodontosaurus roamed the swamps and floodplains of ancient Africa much earlier in the Late Cretaceous.
    • Tyrannosaurus Rex lived millions of years later, thriving in what is now western North America, during the very final years of the Mesozoic Era.

Understanding these magnificent predators provides incredible insights into the diversity and scale of life that once dominated our planet.