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Allosaurus Dinosaur Facts & Worksheets

Allosaurus was a genus of theropod dinosaur that lived during the Late Jurassic period, approximately 155 to 150 million years ago. Now extinct, it was a carnivorous dinosaur and one of the apex predators of its time.

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Allosaurus is a genus of theropod dinosaur that lived during the Late Jurassic period, approximately 155 to 150 million years ago. Now extinct, it was a carnivorous dinosaur and one of the apex predators of its time.

See the fact file below for more information about the Allosaurus Dinosaur, or you can download our 27-page Allosaurus Dinosaur worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

DISCOVERY

  • Allosaurus was first discovered in the late 19th century during the “Bone Wars,” a period of intense fossil hunting and competition between American paleontologists Othniel Charles Marsh and Edward Drinker Cope. 
  • Allosaurus fossils were among the many dinosaur fossils unearthed during this period of frenzied fossil collecting in the western United States.
  • Allosaurus was formally named and described by Othniel Charles Marsh in 1877. The name “Allosaurus” means “different lizard” or “strange lizard” because its anatomy differed significantly from other known dinosaurs at the time.
  • Initially, it was classified within the family Allosauridae. Later, as our understanding of theropod dinosaurs grew, it was placed within the superfamily Allosauroidea.
  • Numerous Allosaurus fossils have been found in various locations in North America, primarily in the western United States. These fossils include partial skeletons, skulls, and isolated bones, providing valuable insights into the dinosaur’s anatomy and biology.
  • In the early 20th century, paleontologists like Charles W. Gilmore and Charles R. Knight created artistic reconstructions of Allosaurus, often depicting it as a bipedal, carnivorous dinosaur with a powerful head and sharp teeth.

HABITAT AND BEHAVIOR

  • The habitat and behavior of Allosaurus, like many dinosaurs, are topics of ongoing research and scientific inquiry. 
  • While we have gained significant insight into these aspects of Allosaurus over the years, some details may continue to evolve as new discoveries are made. Here is what is currently known about the habitat and behavior of Allosaurus:
  • HABITAT – Geographic Range: Allosaurus fossils have been found primarily in North America, with discoveries in the western United States, including states like Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, and Montana. This suggests that it inhabited the western parts of the continent during the Late Jurassic period, around 155 to 150 million years ago.
  • Ecosystem: Allosaurus lived in a diverse Late Jurassic ecosystem with various types of dinosaurs, plants, and other creatures. It shared its environment with herbivorous dinosaurs such as sauropods (like Apatosaurus and Diplodocus), stegosaurus, and ornithopods.
  • Paleoenvironment: The paleoenvironment in which Allosaurus lived was characterized by a mix of forests, plains, and wetlands, which provided various potential prey and hunting opportunities.
  • BEHAVIOR – Carnivorous Diet: Allosaurus was a carnivorous dinosaur, its primary diet consisting of other dinosaurs and smaller animals. It was a top predator of its ecosystem, preying on herbivorous dinosaurs like sauropods and other smaller theropods.
  • Hunting Strategy: Allosaurus was likely an active predator, capable of ambushing its prey and engaging in more active hunting. Its sharp, serrated teeth and powerful jaws would have been well-suited for tearing flesh.
  • Social Behavior: There is some evidence to suggest that Allosaurus may have exhibited social behavior. Multiple Allosaurus individuals have been found in close proximity at some fossil sites, leading to speculation that they may have lived and hunted in groups. 
  • Parental Care: Some fossil evidence, including nests and juvenile Allosaurus specimens, suggests that these dinosaurs may have engaged in some form of parental care, which could include nesting and protecting their young, although the exact nature of this behavior is not fully understood.
  • Mobility: Allosaurus had strong, long hind limbs, which would have allowed it to be a fast and agile predator. It is believed to have been a bipedal dinosaur, walking on two legs.

KEY CHARACTERISTICS

  • Size: Allosaurus was a sizeable dinosaur, with adults typically reaching 30 to 40 feet (9 to 12 meters) and standing about 10 to 12 feet (3 to 3.7 meters) tall at the hip.
  • Body Structure: It had a powerful, muscular body with a large head and sharp teeth. Its jaws, equipped with serrated teeth, made it an effective predator for tearing flesh.
  • Arms: Allosaurus had relatively short arms with three fingers on each hand. Its arms were not as developed as those of some other theropods, such as the Tyrannosaurus rex.
  • Legs: It had strong, long hind limbs that allowed it to be a fast and agile predator. Allosaurus was likely a bipedal dinosaur, meaning it walked on two legs.
  • Diet: Allosaurus was a carnivore, and its primary diet consisted of other dinosaurs and smaller animals. It is believed to have been an apex predator of its ecosystem, preying on herbivorous dinosaurs like sauropods.
  • Fossils: Fossils of Allosaurus have been found in various parts of North America, including the western United States. Some well-preserved specimens have provided valuable insights into the dinosaur’s anatomy and behavior.
  • Extinction: Allosaurus lived during the Late Jurassic period but eventually became extinct at the end of the Jurassic period, about 150 million years ago. The exact cause of its extinction is not fully understood but may have been influenced by environmental changes and competition with other predators.
  • Allosaurus is one of the most well-known and studied theropod dinosaurs, and it continues to captivate the imaginations of paleontologists and dinosaur enthusiasts alike. It played a significant role in the ecosystems of its time as a top predator.

ADVANCES IN SCIENCE AND RESEARCH

  • Over the years, advances in paleontology and technology, such as CT scans and biomechanical analyses, have allowed scientists to gain a deeper understanding of Allosaurus’ anatomy, physiology, and movement.
  • Research on Allosaurus continues, with new discoveries shedding light on various aspects of its biology, including its growth, development, and evolutionary relationships within the theropod dinosaur group.

POPULAR CULTURE

  • Movies and Television: Allosaurus feature in numerous films and TV shows, often portrayed as a fearsome carnivorous dinosaur. It has appeared in classics like the 1925 silent film “The Lost World,” as well as modern works like “Jurassic Park III” and various animated series.
  • Books and Literature: Allosaurus frequently appears in fiction and non-fiction books relating to dinosaurs and paleontology. It is often featured in children’s books and educational materials, helping young readers learn about prehistoric life.
  • Museums: Allosaurus fossils and reconstructions can be found in many natural history museums worldwide. Museums often use Allosaurus specimens to educate visitors about dinosaur anatomy, behavior, and evolution.
  • Educational Outreach: Allosaurus is a popular subject for educational programs and outreach initiatives aimed at schools and the general public. These programs use dinosaurs to teach topics like paleontology, geology, and evolution.
  • Documentaries: Allosaurus features in numerous documentaries that explore its biology, behavior, and the world it inhabited during the Late Jurassic period. These documentaries often combine scientific research with visual storytelling.
  • Video Games: Allosaurus appears in various video games, particularly those centered around dinosaurs and prehistoric worlds. Players can often control or encounter Allosaurus characters in these games.

Allosaurus Dinosaur Worksheets

This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about the Allosaurus Dinosaur across 27 in-depth pages. These ready-to-use worksheets are perfect for teaching kids about the Allosaurus Dinosaur. Allosaurus was a genus of theropod dinosaur that lived during the Late Jurassic period, approximately 155 to 150 million years ago.

Complete List of Included Worksheets

Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.

  1. Allosaurus Dinosaur Facts
  2. The Finders
  3. Allo Geo Timescale
  4. Allosauruses Earth
  5. Key Characteristics
  6. Artist’s Depiction
  7. Competitions
  8. Jurassic Extinction
  9. Latest Discovery
  10. Quick Review
  11. Jurassic Neighbors

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the name “Allosaurus” derived from?

The name “Allosaurus” is derived from the Greek words “allos” (meaning “different” or “other”) and “sauros” (meaning “lizard”), so it translates to “different lizard” or “strange reptile.”

When did Allosaurus live and in what geographic regions?

Allosaurus lived during the Late Jurassic period, approximately 155 to 150 million years ago. They inhabited what is now North America, with fossil evidence primarily found in present-day western parts of the United States, such as Utah, Colorado, and Wyoming.

How large did Allosaurus grow?

Allosaurus was a large dinosaur, with some individuals reaching lengths of up to 39 feet (12 meters) or more. They stood around 15 feet (4.5 meters) tall and could weigh between 4,000 and 5,000 pounds.

What was the diet of Allosaurus?

Allosaurus was a carnivorous dinosaur and primarily preyed on other dinosaurs, as well as smaller reptiles and potentially scavenged for carrion. It was a formidable predator in its ecosystem, using its sharp teeth and powerful jaws to capture and eat its prey.

What are some distinctive features of Allosaurus?

Allosaurus had several distinctive features, including large, serrated teeth for tearing flesh, sharp claws on its hands, and a powerful, muscular body. Its head was large and had a prominent crest above its eyes, which may have been used for display or species recognition. Allosaurus had a bipedal stance, with strong hind limbs, and it was likely a fast and agile predator.

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Use With Any Curriculum

These worksheets have been specifically designed for use with any international curriculum. You can use these worksheets as-is, or edit them using Google Slides to make them more specific to your own student ability levels and curriculum standards.

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