Dinosaur Encyclopedia
Top 10 Predatory Dinosaurs Ranking
We have compiled a list of the top 10 predatory dinosaurs in history, ranking based on basic body size, weight, and speculative descriptions from literature. The rankings do not correlate with actual combat abilities. This article encompasses dinosaur species from the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods, and there may be omissions or less authoritative information, as no one has witnessed real dinosaurs.
Table of Contents
What defines a predatory dinosaur:
Predatory dinosaurs thrive on hunting other animals or smaller dinosaur species for survival. Equipped with sharp teeth, powerful claws, and agile bodies, these dinosaurs can swiftly move and attack their prey during hunting. They rely on vision and a sense of smell to locate their targets, followed by utilizing their strength and speed to kill and consume the prey. Studying predatory dinosaurs is crucial for understanding ancient ecosystems. Through the analysis of their skeletons, teeth, and fossils, scientists can gain insights into their habits, behaviors, and ecological roles.
Top 10 Predatory Dinosaurs Ranking (Ranking in reverse order):
Top 10: Allosaurus
Allosaurus, lived in the Late Jurassic, approximately 155 to 135 million years ago. Allosaurus is a medium-sized bipedal carnivorous dinosaur, with a length of 8.5 meters, reaching a maximum of 9.7 meters, and a weight ranging from 1.5 to 3 tons, with the heaviest individuals weighing up to 3.6 tons. It was active in North America, Africa, and other regions.
Top 9: Yangchuanosaurus
Yangchuanosaurus is a large carnivorous dinosaur with a length of about 11 meters, weighing four tons. It stood at a height of 2.85 meters and lived during the Late Jurassic, coexisting with dinosaurs like Tuojiangosaurus and Mamenxiangosaurus in the same period and region. With sharp claws and teeth, Yangchuanosaurus could quickly bring down vulnerable herbivorous dinosaurs, proving to be a ruthless killer.
Top 8: Torvosaurus
Torvosaurus lived from the Middle to Late Jurassic and is the largest theropod and carnivorous dinosaur discovered in Europe. It possessed long and robust teeth, with a body length approaching 12 meters and a weight of around 4 tons.
Top 7: Tarbosaurus
Tarbosaurus, a large theropod dinosaur belonging to the tyrannosaurid family, was present in Asia, specifically Mongolia and China, during the Late Cretaceous, approximately 74 to 70 million years ago. Tarbosaurus could reach lengths of up to 12 meters and weighed around 7.5 tons.
Top 6: Suchomimus
Suchomimus, with a length of 12 meters, a height of 3.5 meters, and a weight of up to 7 tons, is a large spinosaurid dinosaur. It had a crocodile-like snout and lived in Africa during the Mid-Cretaceous period. With a slender body, short legs, a proportionally narrow head, numerous teeth, and a low sail-like structure on its back, Suchomimus primarily preyed on fish.
Top 5: Mapusaurus
Mapusaurus lived during the Late Cretaceous period in Argentina. The largest known individual had a length of approximately 14.5 meters and a weight of up to 12 tons.
Top 4: Carcharodontosaurus
Carcharodontosaurus lived from 100 to 93 million years ago during the Mid-Cretaceous. It was a giant carnivorous dinosaur and one of the largest theropods, with adult individuals estimated to reach lengths of 11 to 14 meters and weigh between 6 to 11.5 tons. Carcharodontosaurus had a small skull but possessed high bite speeds, large jaw openings, sharp teeth, and was adapted for cutting prey.
Top 3: Giganotosaurus
Giganotosaurus lived in South America, specifically Argentina, during the Late Cretaceous, approximately 100 to 96 million years ago. It had a powerful bite force, extremely fast biting speed, and razor-sharp teeth. Giganotosaurus could reach a length of 13.8 meters and a weight of 10.52 tons. It had one of the strongest bite forces among terrestrial animals, second only to Tyrannosaurus rex.
Top 2: Spinosaurus
Spinosaurus, a Cretaceous-era apex predator, gained fame for its enormous size and sail-like structure. It was the largest carnivorous dinosaur on Earth, weighing around eleven tons and measuring seventeen meters long.
Top 1: Tyrannosaurus rex
Tyrannosaurus rex, lived approximately 68.5 to 65 million years ago during the Late Cretaceous. With a length of 12-13 meters and a weight of 8-9 tons, occasionally reaching over 14 tons, T. rex had a bite force exceeding 200,000 Newtons, making it the most robust and formidable carnivorous dinosaur, rightfully earning its title as the “tyrant king.”
