10. Velociraptor

• Average Size: 1’7” (Height), 6’9” (Length)
• Average Weight: 33 to 43.5 Pounds
• Temporal Range: Late Cretaceous Period (75 to 71 Million Years Ago)

The Velociraptor, a genus of dromaeosaurid theropod, emerged during the Late Cretaceous Period, primarily in regions that are now China and Mongolia. Despite its small stature, it was a bipedal dinosaur with feathers. Notably, it had a distinctive sickle-shaped claw on each hind foot, an elongated skull, and a body that was both compact and streamlined. Most adult Velociraptors weighed around 43.5 pounds, standing about 1’7” tall, roughly the size of a large turkey.

Researchers generally classify the Velociraptor as nocturnal, with evidence suggesting it hunted in packs. Its diet likely included small lizards, amphibians, insects, rodents, smaller dinosaurs, and, on occasion, other Velociraptors.

#### How Dangerous Was the Velociraptor?

Though relatively small, the Velociraptor was a formidable predator, equipped with sharp, sickle-shaped claws on its feet and three curved claws on its hands. These talons could easily slash and grip prey. The Velociraptor possessed between 26 to 30 sharp teeth, which allowed it to inflict severe damage with a bite force exceeding 1,000 PSI, surpassing that of a modern grizzly bear. This combination of features made the Velociraptor one of the most lethal dinosaurs in history.

9. Mapusaurus

• Average Size: 12.3-feet (Height); 38-feet (Length)
• Average Weight: 6,600 Pounds
• Temporal Range: Late Cretaceous Period (97 to 93 Million Years Ago)

Mapusaurus, meaning "Earth Lizard," was a massive carcharodontosaurid dinosaur native to what is now Argentina. First discovered in 1997, it resembled its cousin, Giganotosaurus, in size, reaching nearly 6,600 pounds and measuring 12.3 feet tall and 38 feet long. This dinosaur had a powerful build similar to the Tyrannosaurus Rex, noted for its muscular form and elongated skull.

Mapusaurus likely thrived in woodlands, grasslands, and semi-arid areas, preying on large herbivores, particularly Argentinosaurus. However, it also consumed smaller creatures when opportunities arose.

#### How Dangerous Was the Mapusaurus?

The Mapusaurus was known for its immense size and bite force, estimated around 7,000 PSI, far surpassing that of an American alligator. Its significant weight and speed of up to 30 miles per hour enabled it to overpower nearly any adversary. Thus, it stands out as one of the most fearsome dinosaurs in existence.

8. Allosaurus

• Average Size: 16.5-feet (Height); 28-feet (Length)
• Average Weight: 3,100 to 4,400 Pounds
• Temporal Range: Late Jurassic (155 to 145 Million Years Ago)

The Allosaurus was a prominent carnosaurian theropod from the Late Jurassic era, primarily found in North America and parts of Western Europe. This apex predator could reach heights of 16.5 feet and lengths of 28 feet, with weights ranging from 3,100 to 4,400 pounds. Its powerful limbs and sharp teeth made it an efficient hunter.

Allosaurus likely hunted in packs, targeting large herbivores like ornithopods and sauropods, and evidence suggests it may have preyed on other predators, indicating a possible inclination towards cannibalism.

#### How Dangerous Was the Allosaurus?

Renowned for its strength and aggression, the Allosaurus had around 32 serrated teeth and a bite force of about 1,500 PSI. Its strategy involved slashing with its powerful jaws, inflicting severe damage to its prey, solidifying its position as a feared predator of its time.

7. Saurophaganax

• Average Size: 13-feet (Height); 34 to 43-feet (Length)
• Average Weight: 6,600 to 9,900 Pounds
• Temporal Range: Late Jurassic (151 Million Years Ago)

Saurophaganax, translating to "Lord of Lizard-Eaters," was a sizable allosaurid dinosaur from the Late Jurassic period, first identified in 1931. This North American predator could reach heights of 13 feet and lengths of 34 to 43 feet, weighing between 6,600 and 9,900 pounds. Its distinctive features included a long skull and muscular limbs.

Living in woodlands, Saurophaganax likely hunted large sauropods, though its precise predatory habits are still under investigation.

#### How Dangerous Was the Saurophaganax?

This dinosaur was a formidable presence in its ecosystem, with strong limbs and sharp claws that could easily tear through its prey. Its impressive bite force of over 6,000 pounds of pressure further ensured its status as one of the most dangerous dinosaurs in history.

6. Giganotosaurus

• Average Size: 16.6 to 18.3-feet (Height); 39 to 43-feet (Length)
• Average Weight: 9,300 to 30,000 Pounds
• Temporal Range: Late Cretaceous Period (99.6 to 97 Million Years Ago)

The colossal Giganotosaurus, meaning "Giant Southern Lizard," was discovered in 1993 in Patagonia. This theropod was among the largest terrestrial carnivores, measuring between 16.6 and 18.3 feet tall and reaching lengths of 39 to 43 feet, with weights ranging from 9,300 to 30,000 pounds. Its distinguishing features included a long, narrow skull and powerful hind limbs.

Giganotosaurus primarily hunted large herbivores, including Argentinosaurus and Limaysaurus, and likely faced little competition from other predators.

#### How Dangerous Was the Giganotosaurus?

This dinosaur was infamous for its size and power, with a bite force estimated to exceed 8,000 pounds of pressure. Its sharp claws and muscular build made it a swift and lethal predator, capable of dispatching prey with remarkable efficiency.

5. Majungasaurus

• Average Size: 6-feet (Height); 23 to 26.2-feet (Length)
• Average Weight: 2,400 Pounds
• Temporal Range: Late Cretaceous Period (70 to 66 Million Years Ago)

The Majungasaurus, or "Mahajanga Lizard," was a type of abelisaurid theropod found in Madagascar. This bipedal predator had a compact frame, reaching heights of around 6 feet and lengths of 23 to 26.2 feet, weighing approximately 2,400 pounds. Its notable features included a broad skull and muscular limbs.

Majungasaurus likely inhabited coastal plains and tropical forests, preying on various sauropods and potentially exhibiting cannibalistic behavior.

#### How Dangerous Was the Majungasaurus?

This dinosaur possessed a formidable bite force exceeding 6,700 PSI, surpassing that of modern saltwater crocodiles. Its ability to grip and tear into prey solidified its reputation as a highly effective predator.

4. Carcharodontosaurus

• Average Size: 13-feet (Height); 43-feet (Length)
• Average Weight: 13,000 to 33,000 Pounds
• Temporal Range: Late Cretaceous Period (100 to 94 Million Years Ago)

Carcharodontosaurus, a large carcharodontosaurid theropod from North Africa, could reach an average height of 13 feet and lengths of nearly 43 feet, weighing between 13,000 and 33,000 pounds. Its formidable skull and powerful jaws contributed to its reputation as one of the largest carnivores.

This dinosaur likely inhabited riverine areas, preying on various herbivores while also scavenging when opportunities arose.

#### How Dangerous Was the Carcharodontosaurus?

Its immense size and strength allowed Carcharodontosaurus to overpower most prey with ease. Estimates suggest it could exert a bite force of over 5,300 PSI, making it capable of inflicting severe damage with its sharp teeth and claws.

3. Spinosaurus

• Average Size: 18-feet (Height); 46 to 59-feet (Length)
• Average Weight: 31,000 to 46,000 Pounds
• Temporal Range: Late Cretaceous Period (99 to 93.5 Million Years Ago)

Spinosaurus, or "Spine Lizard," was first discovered in 1912 and is classified as the largest terrestrial carnivore ever. This dinosaur reached heights of 18 feet and lengths of 46 to 59 feet, weighing between 31,000 and 46,000 pounds. Its long, narrow skull and robust limbs were distinguishing features.

Spinosaurus was both terrestrial and aquatic, hunting fish and other aquatic creatures, while also preying on land animals like the Iguanodon.

#### How Dangerous Was the Spinosaurus?

With a bite force of over 4,200 PSI and sharp teeth designed to grasp and tear flesh, Spinosaurus was a deadly predator. Its unique adaptations for both land and water gave it an edge in various hunting scenarios.

2. Utahraptor

• Average Size: 4.9-feet (Height); 16 to 23-feet (Length)
• Average Weight: 1,500 Pounds
• Temporal Range: Early Cretaceous Period (139 to 134.6 Million Years Ago)

Utahraptor was a significant dromaeosaurid dinosaur from North America, first discovered in 1975. This bipedal predator could reach heights of 4.9 feet and lengths of 16 to 23 feet, weighing around 1,500 pounds. It had a long skull and curved claws, similar to the Velociraptor.

Utahraptor inhabited semi-arid environments and was likely a pack hunter, targeting large sauropods and other herbivores.

#### How Dangerous Was the Utahraptor?

Highly intelligent and strategic, Utahraptors hunted in packs, employing coordinated tactics to catch prey. With sharp claws and a powerful bite force, they could inflict severe injuries, solidifying their place as one of the deadliest dinosaurs.

1. Tyrannosaurus Rex

• Average Size: 12-feet (Height); 40-feet (Length)
• Average Weight: 11,000 to 19,000 Pounds
• Temporal Range: Late Cretaceous Period (68 to 66 Million Years Ago)

Tyrannosaurus Rex, often hailed as the "King of the Dinosaurs," dominated the Late Cretaceous landscape. This massive theropod could reach heights of 12 feet and lengths of 40 feet, weighing between 11,000 and 19,000 pounds. Its distinctive features included a powerful skull, long teeth, and muscular limbs.

T-Rex thrived in forested regions and open areas, preying on various herbivores and scavenging when necessary.

#### How Dangerous Was the Tyrannosaurus Rex?

With unparalleled strength and size, T-Rex was a lethal predator, capable of exerting a bite force exceeding 12,800 pounds. This made it one of the most dangerous creatures to have ever walked the Earth, solidifying its reputation as the deadliest dinosaur.

Articles/Books:

• “Dinopedia.” The Dinosaur Wiki. Accessed: 8 March 2022. Web.
• Padian, K. “Tyrannosaurus Rex.” Encyclopedia Britannica. 25 August 2016. Web.
• Slawson, Larry. “The Tyrannosaurus Rex: Quick Facts.” OwlCation. 2019.
• Slawson, Larry. “The Velociraptor: Quick Facts.” OwlCation. 2020.
• “Utahraptor.” Natural History Museum of Utah. Accessed: 7 March 2022. Web.
• “Velociraptor.” Natural History Museum. Accessed: 8 March 2022. Web.

Images/Photographs:

• Pixabay.
• Wikimedia Commons.