Key Information
Mapusaurus
| Species | Mapusaurus roseae |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| Length | 18 to 40 ft |
| Height | 11.5 ft |
| Weight | 3 to 6 tonnes |
| Timescale | Late Cretaceous |
| Classification | Therpoda > Carcharodontosauridae > Giganotosaurini |
Learning Point
- Mapusaurus was from Argentina and a giant predator like T Rex. Living about 95 million years ago, this massive carnivore grew up to 40 feet long and was built for speed and power. Unlike many solitary predators, Mapusaurus is famous because paleontologists found several skeletons together, suggesting they may have hunted in packs. This “gang mentality” may have allowed them to take down the Argentinosaurus—one of the largest plant-eaters ever to exist. With blade-like teeth and a long, narrow skull, Mapusaurus was a specialized slicing machine of the Cretaceous period.
Project
- Draw a picture of Mapusaurus in its natural environment.
- Overview
- X-Ray
Location
| Confirmed | Argentina |
Fun Facts
- The name Mapusaurus means “earth lizard”.
- Scientists found seven Mapusaurus skeletons in one spot. This means they might have hunted in packs like a giant, scaly wolf pack!
- Its teeth weren’t round like bananas; they were flat and sharp like steak knives. They were perfect for slicing through tough dinosaur skin.
- Even though it was as long as a school bus, it had long, powerful legs. It was likely much faster than the heavy T-Rex.
Past Lessons
| 220 | January 26, 2026 | (North America) |