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Since their extinction about 66 million years ago, dinosaurs have been a subject of great interest for researchers, historians, and academics.
Based on the credible information collected from reliable sources, we have listed the world’s 20 deadliest dinosaurs. Enlighten yourself about different ways these extinct animals used to create havoc on other faunas of the Mesozoic Era.
Paleontologists can benefit from this article by knowing key details about these deadliest dinosaurs ever, like:
- Scientific Classification
- Temporal Range
- Size and Weight
- Original Fossils
- Discoverer
- The Year of Discovery
Let’s start exploring the list.
1. Spinosaurus
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Temporal Range: 99-93.5 million years
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Size: 4.3 to 7 m
Mass: 6400 to 7500 kg
Family: Spinosauridae
Discoverer: Ernst Stromer
The Year of Discovery: 1915
Recognized as the world’s first swimming dinosaur, the Northern African Spinosaurus was the largest carnivorous dinosaur on this planet. It’s the most dangerous dinosaur to walk or swim on the Earth. So, it’s also on list of Top 8 Swimming & Water Dinosaurs. With an approximate weight of 10 tons, this predator had large crocodile-like jaws that were used to pin the fish from deep rivers. The average size of one Spinosaurus was almost equal to one and a half double-decker bus in London.
Spinosaurus was so dangerous that it used to even terrorize small-sized land-bound dinosaurs with its cruel set of claws as well as gigantic crocodile Sarcosuchus. The vertebrae of Spinosaurus were supposed to be 20 times those of T-rex. Likewise, its gigantic sail of skin had long spines protruding from its back making it one of the most powerful dinosaurs in the world. It’s also on the list of Top 15 Coolest Dinosaurs to Ever Lived on Earth.
2. Stegosaurus
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Temporal Range: 155-150 million years
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Size: 6.5 to 9 m
Mass: 3100 kg
Family: Stegosauridae
Discoverer: Othniel Charles Marsh
The Year of Discovery: 1877
This small-headed and plant-eater dinosaur is regarded among the world’s strongest dinosaurs despite its small brain. The most attractive aspect of this herbivore is its unique body, which gets the attention of visitors due to a dangerously spiked tail on top. Stegosaurus would use this tail to bash the skull of its enemies and scare small creatures.
These quadrupeds had short forelimbs and long hind limbs. The distinctive combination tail tipped with spikes was used for defense against predators while the upright plates were used for thermoregulatory functions. Despite its low brain-to-body mass ratio, the size of Stegosaurus can be related to gigantic dinosaurs like Huayangosaurus and Kentrosaurus.
3. Velociraptor
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Temporal Range: 75-71 million years
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Size: 0.5 to 2 m
Mass: 15 kg
Family: Dromaeosauridae
Discoverer: Henry Fairfield Osborn
The Year of Discovery: 1924
Velociraptor has been made very popular among people by Jurassic Park for being the star of the infamous kitchen scene. Despite their smaller size, velociraptors were used to create havoc with a paid or deadly sickle curved toe claw on each foot. Unlike portrayed in the films, velociraptors were very fast predators in real life looked like birds, it’s one of the most famous theropod dinosaurs.
What made velociraptors the deadliest dinosaurs was their agility and intelligence coupled with their non-reptilian appearance and hook-like claws. Velociraptors would like to hunt in packs and use their massive claws to grasp the escaping victims.
4. Utahraptor
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Temporal Range: 139-134.6 million years
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Size: 1.8 to 2 m
Mass: 300 to 1000 kg
Family: Dromaeosauridae
Discoverer: Kirkland, Gaston & Burge
The Year of Discovery: 1993
The mighty Utahraptor is known for its sheer killing ability and large size. Equipped with approximately 9″ long and incredibly sharp claws and razor-sharp teeth, this raptor was very lethal capable of tearing its prey to death in seconds. Besides, Utahraptor had a superfast top sprinting speed that increased its ability to maneuver and hunt in packs.
In addition to having sick-shaped claws on each hind foot, Utahraptor had unusually thick leg bones that would help him to repeatedly drive the killing claw into its prey. The body structure and gigantic size of this predator was a symbol of horror for other dinosaurs too.
5. Carcharodontosaurus
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Temporal Range: 100-93 million years
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Size: 8 to 14 m
Mass: 6000 to 15000 kg
Family: Carcharodontosauridae
Discoverer: Ernst Stromer
The Year of Discovery: 1935
Carcharodontosaurus is included in the list of the most powerful dinosaurs not only for its characteristics but for its name that means shark-toothed lizard. Despite having smaller arms, the raptor had 20-cm-long serrated teeth in its jaw that could slice through flesh like switchblades. Carcharodontosaurus would like wounding, beating, and eventually tearing its prey to death by using its long teeth.
Having a skull size equal to that of a person, Carcharodontosaurus had a smaller brain. However, its powerful legs enabled it to run at 32 km/h. This speed was enough to outrun T-rex and other predators of that era.
6. Tyrannosaurus rex
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Temporal Range: 68-66 million years
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Size: 3.7 to 4.1 m
Mass: 4500 to 14000 kg
Family: Tyrannosauridae
Discoverer: Henry Fairfield Osborn
The Year of Discovery: 1905
There would hardly be any dino-lover in the world who is non-familiar with Tyrannosaurus rex (T-rex). Known as the ultimate carnivore, very lethal, intelligent, the predator was the most badass dinosaur ever in history. The meaning of its name is tyranted lizard king, which shows it will always be one of the scariest and deadliest dinosaurs around with a bite force three times that of a great white shark – making it the strongest bite force of any land animal that has ever lived.
The fierce and scary Tyrannosaurus rex used to hunt live prey or feast on already-dead carcasses. Weighing almost double that of an Asian elephant, the raptor had deadly bacteria in its saliva to ensure the prey gets killed even after a successful escape. T-rex would then use its 18,000-pound-per-square-inch bite to finish the things off.
7. Majungasaurus
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Temporal Range: 70-66 million years
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Size: 6 to 8 m
Mass: 1100 kg
Family: Abelisauridae
Discoverer: Charles Depéret
The Year of Discovery: 1896
Majungasaurus is one of the few dinosaurs that is a known cannibal with a unique skull different from other theropods. Known as a bad lizard, the raptor would like to kill its prey by holding firmly in its telltale teeth and biting to death. Its dental patterns were found on Majungasaurus bones in Madagascar, which is considered its native island.
Majungasaurus was such a ruthless killed that it even feasted on its own kin. Nevertheless, it could not be found whether they used to hunt live or feast the already-dead relatives.
8. Mapusaurus
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Temporal Range: 97-93.5 million years
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Size: 10 to 13 m
Mass: 3,000 kg
Family: Carcharodontosauridae
Discoverer: Coria & Currie
The Year of Discovery: 2006
With its appearance, Mapusaurus looks similar to its close cousin Giganotosaurus. Paleontologists believe Mapusaurus was so lethal that it has hunted all the powerful dinosaurs that ever lived on earth. Besides, direct scientific evidence suggests this ferocious carnivorous predator was 30 feet long and used to hunt in packs.
Mapusaurus has narrow blade-like teeth that were used to slice that prey before tearing it apart. Their close coordination while hunting in groups is attributed to additional strength for extra lethality.
9. Allosaurus
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Temporal Range: 155-145 million years
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Size: 5 to 12 m
Mass: 1000 to 4000 kg
Family: Allosauridae
Discoverer: Othniel Charles Marsh
The Year of Discovery: 1878
Allosaurus, with its ability to take down prey twice the size of T-rex, is considered one of the most dangerous dinosaurs of the Jurassic. This strong-jawed, ambitious, and fearsome three-ton carnivore has sharp serrated teeth. The three-fingered hands of this fierce meat-eater were tipped with massive talons to capture the prey firmly.
Nevertheless, paleontologists believe Allosaurus was not very smart. One of their groups even died by salivating already-trapped and struggling prey in Utah.
10. Giganotosaurus
( source by: Wiki)
Temporal Range: 99.6-99.5 million years
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Size: 12 to 13 m
Mass: 4200 to 14000 kg
Family: Carcharodontosauridae
Discoverer: Coria & Salgado
The Year of Discovery: 1995
Known as the South American cousin of Carcharodontosaurus, the bigger and fiercer Giganotosaurus was a three-fingered predator to rival T-rex in size and body structure. Giganotosaurus had approximately 8-10 tons and was close to one of the biggest dinosaurs on earth, Argentinosaurus.
Giganotosaurus’s superior balance gave it a high speed and ability to take down even full-grown titanosaur adults. The overlook appearance was itself very scary and enough to terrorize small-sized dinosaurs.
11. Ankylosaurus
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Temporal Range: 70-66 million years
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Size: 1.7 m
Mass: 4800 to 8000 kg
Family: Ankylosauridae
Discoverer: Barnum Brown
The Year of Discovery: 1908
Some people might not consider the herbivore Ankylosaurus deadly, but this armored dinosaur had a knobby hundred-pound tail that was used both for defense and attack purposes. This heavy tail was Ankylosaurus’ strength and could generate enough force to crush the enemy’s bones once swung around.
Experts believe Ankylosaurus could cause massive damage to the T-rex by a well-aimed swing of its massive tail. This ability was enough to create havoc and maintain its fierceness in the region.
12. Saurophaganax
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Temporal Range: 150 million years
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Size: 10 to 13 m
Mass: 3000 to 45000 kg
Family: Allosauridae
Discoverer: Chure
The Year of Discovery: 1995
Saurophaganax; called the lord of lizard-eaters; was the largest Jurassic theropod and the longest terrestrial carnivore species of all time. With an approximate size of 12-13 meters, Saurophaganax is known to be a part of the Morrison Formation.
Saurophaganax was powerful enough that it could hunt any dinosaur available in its area. Due to its large size and scary appearance, the predator would eat large sauropods and heavily armored stegosaurs. Nevertheless, it has had a dangerous competition for food due to the presence of several deadliest predators like Ceratosaurus, Acrocanthosaurus, and Edmark.
13. Diplodocus
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Temporal Range: 154-152 million years
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Size: 8 to 27 m
Mass: 22,680 kg
Family: Diplodocidae
Discoverer: Othniel Charles Marsh
The Year of Discovery: 1878
By the first look, you must be thinking Diplodocus doesn’t appear to be dangerous or deadly. However, the reality behind this long-necked, gentle, and herbivore predator of the late Jurassic period is very interesting and scary.
Diplodocus indeed seems to be friendly, but a 20-foot-long tail enabled this 100-foot dinosaur to crack the enemies at hypersonic speeds. In addition to its squishing its enemies with a well-placed stomp of its hind foot, Diplodocus was very good at approaching the preys at gigantic heights.
14. Deinonychus
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Temporal Range: 115-108 million years
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Size: 3.4 m
Mass: 73 to 100 kg
Family: Dromaeosauridae
Discoverer: John Ostrom
The Year of Discovery: 1969
For years, dinosaurs were thought to be languid and lumbering due to their gigantic size and weight. However, the perception was overhauled with the discovery of Deinonychus, which was a quick-witted pack hunter specifically built for speedy pursuit.
Despite being twice the size of Velociraptor, Deinonychus has interlocking vertebrae that enabled the predator to balance its stiffed tail while running. Besides, the prey was disemboweled in its jaw, hands, and retractable toe-claws. Whenever an opportunity arose, Deinonychus would strike on the enemy and chop the prey till death.
15. Troodon
( source by: Wiki)
Temporal Range: 77.5-76.5 million years
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Size: 90 cm
Mass: 50 kg
Family: Troodontidae
Discoverer: Charles W. Gilmore
The Year of Discovery: 1924
Deadliness can never be judged by a predator’s appearance, and Troodon proves this statement right. This 1.3-meter-tall and 40-kg tiny dinosaur had the brain-to-body-weight ratio due to its lack of brawn. The nascent signs of folding in Troodon’s brain make it the most neurologically advanced specimen with efficient brain functioning.
This body structure and composition allowed Troodon to run with greater speed and agility. Thanks to its huge orb-like eyes that enabled it to hunt nocturnally and see in low-lighting conditions. A group of sharp-minded and agile Troodons could bring down gigantic and powerful dinosaurs with their intelligence and superior vision.
16. Coelophysis
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Temporal Range: 216-196 million years
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Size: 2 m
Mass: 18 to 23 kg
Family: Coelophysidae
Discoverer: Cope
The Year of Discovery: 1887
This light-weight and tiny dinosaur is another example of intelligence overcoming physical strength and might appearance. Weighing only around 44 pounds, Coeplophysis was quite agile and able to take action quickly. They used their boasted blade-like cutting teeth to chop their prey into pieces.
To overcome their small size, Coeplophysis used to hunt in organized groups with proper planning. This way, they could meet their objectives and attack their prey even before anyone settles down. Moreover, they often took advantage of their small size by hiding in small areas and striking the enemies at the right time.
17. Carnotaurus
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Temporal Range: 71 million years
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Size: 8 to 9 m
Mass: 1000 to 3000 kg
Family: Abelisauridae
Discoverer: José Bonaparte
The Year of Discovery: 1985
Believed to be a distant cousin of the T-Rex, Carnotaurus had smaller arms with two horns on its head. It used its muscular neck in hunting and fighting conspecifics. Likewise, the distinctive horns were used as hunting weapons to injure or kill small prey. Evidence suggests Carnotaurus used to combat each other with head blows or by using their horns as shock absorbers.
Carnotaurus was so powerful that it could hunt down very large prey. Despite less developed hearing and sight, the predator had an acute sense of smell along with powerful muscles that helped him run fast without losing balance.
18. Tarbosaurus
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Temporal Range: 70 million years
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Size: 10 to 12 m
Mass: 4000 to 5000 kg
Family: Tyrannosauridae
Discoverer: Maleev
The Year of Discovery: 1955
Tarbosaurus was considered the most dangerous and powerful predator in the late Jurassic period capable of defeating the velociraptor or utahraptor. Being the second-largest member of the T-Rex family, Tarbosaurus was equipped with 60 large teeth and smaller forelimbs.
It has been added to the list of the deadliest dinosaurs because of its unique locking mechanism in its lower jaw, which allowed it to firmly grasp its prey and run fast. Besides, they were crepuscular or nocturnal hunters and used to hunt large dinosaurs in the area.
19. Megaraptor
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Temporal Range: 91-88 million years
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Size: 8 m
Mass: 1000 kg
Family: Megaraptoridae
Discoverer: Fernando Novas
The Year of Discovery: 1998
Megaraptor was a 26-feet dinosaur with the ability to take down even dilophosaurus. With an approximate weight of over 200 pounds, the predator is a successful hunter for having a single sickle-shaped foot claw of about 30 centimeters in length.
Megaraptor used its unusually elongated hands and claws to attack its enemies and capture its prey. The unique structure of its body supported by heavyweight offered strong defensive capabilities to the raptor enabling it to create havoc in the area.
20. Acrocanthosaurus
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Temporal Range: 116-110 million years
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Size: 11.5 m
Mass: 5700 to 6200 kg
Family: Carcharodontosauridae
Discoverer: Stovall & Langston
The Year of Discovery: 1950
As the name suggests, Acrocanthosaurus refers to a high-spined lizard for having high neural spines on its vertebrae supported by a ridge of muscle over its back, neck, and hips. Having an average length of 11.5 meters, Acrocanthosaurus was most likely an apex predator.
Although Acrocanthosaurus was unable to swing its forelimbs forward very far, it used its mouth for hunting its prey. After seizing the prey in its jaws, the predator would strongly retract its heavily muscled forelimbs to prevent the prey from escaping and tear large gashes with its claws.
Conclusion
The history of dinosaurs has been full of interesting facts about the behavior, living habitat, and body structure of these extinct animals. Having lived on the earth millions of years ago, the predators would terrorize other creatures with their unprecedented characteristics and features. If one day we can see them on the earth, please remember to stay away from these dinosaurs and the angry triceratops on the list, and also cannot ignore some dangerous animals. “I think that’s something that we often forget: Some of the most dangerous animals out there are herbivorous animals, like Cape Buffalo and hippos,” says German-Moroccan vertebrate paleontologist Ibrahim.
To enlighten the readers about some unique qualities of these animals, this article briefly presented the top 20 deadliest dinosaurs across history. The predators enlisted in this study are Spinosaurus, Stegosaurus, Velociraptor, Utahraptor, Carcharodontosaurus, Tyrannosaurus rex, Mapusaurus, Majungasaurus, Allosaurus, Giganotosaurus, Ankylosaurus, Saurophaganax, Diplodocus, Deinonychus, Troodon, Coelophysis, Carnotaurus, Tarbosaurus, Megaraptor, and Acrocanthosaurus.
What do you think is the deadliest dinosaur?
More top dinosaurs lists:
Top 10 Fastest Dinosaurs That Ever Lived
Top 15 Weird Dinosaurs Who Walked the Earth
Top 15 Biggest Dinosaurs That Have Been Discovered
