Key Information
Saurophaganax
| Species | Saurophaganax maximus |
| Diet | Unknown, possibly herbivore |
| Length | Unknown |
| Height | Unknown |
| Weight | Unknown |
| Timescale | Late Jurassic |
| Classification | Saurischia > incertae sedis (unsure) |
Learning Point
- The name Saurophaganax was given to massive fossils found in Oklahoma, with estimates suggesting the dinosaur could be up to 43 feet long. In a shocking 2024 study, paleontologists revealed that the once thought to be the apex predator of its time, is likely a chimeric (mixed-up) genus. The recent scientific re-evaluation determined that some of the key bones used to define it probably belong to a large sauropod (long-necked plant-eater), not a theropod (carnivore). The remaining carnivorous bones, which do represent a huge predator, have been officially reassigned as a distinct, giant species of its smaller cousin, Allosaurus.
Project
- Draw a picture of Saurophaganax.
- Overview
Location
| Confirmed | Oklahoma, United States |
Fun Facts
- The name, Saurophaganax means “lord of lizard-eaters” in Greek, which was based on how they thought it was an allosaurid.
- It was originally thought to be one of the largest predators of its time, even bigger than its famous relative, Allosaurus.
- Saurophaganax‘s bones were discovered in the state of Oklahoma, where it roamed the land before there were states!
- Scientists later discovered the bones might have been mixed up with other dinosaurs! Some bones may have belonged to a giant plant-eater, making Saurophaganax a bit of a fossil puzzle for paleontologists.
- Because of the mystery, some of the meat-eater bones from the original find were recently identified as belonging to a brand-new, giant species of Allosaurus called Allosaurus anax.
Past Lessons
| 208 | October 13, 2025 | (North America) |