Key Information
Majungasaurus
| Species | Majungasaurus crenatissimus |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| Length | 18 to 23 ft |
| Height | 6 ft 6 inches |
| Weight | 1,650 to 2,430 lb |
| Timescale | Late Cretaceous |
| Classification | Saurischia > Theropoda > Abelisauridae > Majungasaurinae |
| Similar Species | Arcovenator, Indosaurus, Rajasaurus |
| Other Names | Majungatholus |
Learning Point
- Majungasaurus was a fierce, two-legged predator that lived in Madagascar at the end of the dinosaur age. It had a blunt, wide skull topped with a single, rounded horn. This dinosaur is famous because scientists found some evidence that it may have sometimes practiced cannibalism, eating members of its own species.
Project
- Draw a picture of Majungasaurus.
- Overview
- X-Ray
NOTE: This shows the bones from two specimens, but is not complete.
Location
| Confirmed | Madagascar |
Fun Facts
- The name, Majungasaurus means “Mahajanga lizard” in Greek, all to do with where it came from.
- Majungasaurus lived only on the island of Madagascar, which was already separate from other continents when this dinosaur roamed.
- Like its famous cousin, T. rex, it walked on two strong legs but had tiny, very short forelimbs with reduced fingers.
- It seems it had a super-efficient way of breathing, similar to how modern birds breathe today, using air sacs that let air flow one way through its lungs.
Past Lessons
| 211 | November 10, 2025 | (North America) |