Mapusaurus

Mapusaurus was an enormous predatory theropod that inhabited South America during the early part of the Late Cretaceous period. Closely related to the famous Giganotosaurus, it rivalled the largest apex predators in size, reaching lengths of up to twelve metres or more. Uniquely for such giant carnosaurs, hundreds of bones belonging to at least seven individuals of varying ages were discovered mixed together in a single quarry within the Huincul Formation of Argentina. This gathering suggests that Mapusaurus may have lived or at least hunted in coordinated groups, possibly to bring down the colossal titanosaur sauropods that shared its environment. With serrated, blade-like teeth suited for slicing flesh and deeply textured skull bones, Mapusaurus was an extraordinarily formidable hunter perfectly adapted for targeting massive prey.

Dozens of individuals found together in a single bonebed provide rare evidence for pack-hunting in giant carnosaurs.

Where and when

Mapusaurus lived in the Late Cretaceous, from 97 to 93.5 million years ago (Cenomanian-Turonian age). Its remains come from Argentina, in the Huincul Formation.

The numbers

Length 12 m (estimates run from 12 to 13 m). Mass about 3.9 t. Hip height about 3.6 m. That is 7.1 human-lengths, or 1.08 of a double-decker bus. These are estimates from partial skeleton; fields marked estimated by the site are length, mass, hip height.

Compare Mapusaurus with a bus Place on the timeline