Key Information
Irritator
| Species | Irritator challengeri |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| Length | 20 to 26 ft |
| Height | 6 to 7 ft |
| Weight | About 1 tonne |
| Timescale | Early Cretaceous |
| Classification | Theropoda > Spinosauridae |
Learning Point
- Irritator was a large spinosaurid dinosaur that lived in what is now Brazil during the Early Cretaceous period. It was characterized by its long, narrow snout filled with sharp teeth, suggesting a piscivorous, or fish eating, diet. A distinctive feature of Irritator was its tall, slender neural spines, which likely supported a sail-like structure on its back. This unique design may have served various purposes, such as temperature control, display, or species recognition.
Project
- Draw a family of Irritators.
- Overview
- X-Ray
Location
| Confirmed | Brazil |
Fun Facts
- The name Irritator means “irritation” and was named so because the scientists who discovered it were annoyed by the way the fossil had been damaged by collectors.
- Irritator had a long, narrow snout filled with sharp teeth, perfect for catching fish.
- It lived in what is now Brazil during the Early Cretaceous period.
- It may have had some sort of sail structure on its back, if other fossil remains belonged to this species of dinosaur.
Past Lessons
| 171 | November 4, 2024 | (North America) |