Fun Afrovenator Facts For Kids
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Afrovenator is a genus comprising a large theropod dinosaur belonging to the family Megalosauridae. Afrovenator abakensis is the only species of this genus.
A complete skeleton of Afrovenator was found by Paul Sereno in 1993 in the Tiourarén Formation of Niger's Agadez region in Africa. This skeleton of a Cretaceous period dinosaur is the most complete ever excavated in Africa.
Its unique name means 'African hunter'. It was a carnivore that lived during the Early Cretaceous period, approximately 135-125 million years ago. This large theropod ranged between 22.3-24.9 ft (6.8-7.6 m) in length and between 998.6-1,999.5 lb (453-907 kg) in weight.
It was a stiff-tailed, three-fingered-predator that used both of its legs to walk. This meat-eating dinosaur also had bladelike teeth that were 2 in (5 cm) long and were useful to tear and crush prey.
It is related to the mighty Allosaurus. Keep reading to discover thrilling facts about the Afrovenator's physical structure, discovery, fossil remains, diet, history, and more!
If you find our Afrovenator facts fun to read, you must discover our thrilling Tarascosaurus surprising facts and Jingshanosaurus interesting facts!
Afrovenator Interesting Facts
How do you pronounce 'Afrovenator'?
Afrovenator means 'African hunter' and is pronounced as 'af-ro-vee-NAY-tor'.
What type of dinosaur was an Afrovenator?
It is a large-sized theropod dinosaur. The Afrovenator abakensis is a member of the clade Theropoda that comprises bipedal dinosaurs whose ancestors were birds.
However, the Afrovenator is believed to have descended from the Megalosaurus dinosaur. The Afrovenator dinosaur is also a member of the order Saurischia of dinosaurs. The Afrovenator was not closely related to lizards but had pelvic bones of a similar shape.
In which geological period did the Afrovenator roam the earth?
These dinosaurs were believed to have existed on Earth 135-125 million years ago during the Early Cretaceous period. Their remains were found in the Tiourarén Formation of Niger's Agadez region in northern Africa by the paleontologist, Paul Serono.
When did the Afrovenator become extinct?
The Afrovenator is believed to have gone extinct 161 million years ago!
Where did an Afrovenator live?
An almost complete skeleton of Afrovenator was found in the southern Sahara desert, in Abaka, Niger, Africa, in 1993 and dates back to the Early Cretaceous period. It is one of the most complete dinosaurs of Theropoda to have been excavated from northern Africa, as Africa's environmental conditions are quite harsh and can erode fossils quickly.
The fossils of some ribs, parts of the pelvis, parts of the skull, and lower jaw are incomplete. The hind limbs and the forelimbs are mostly complete.
What was an Afrovenator's habitat?
This dinosaur was terrestrial and bipedal. Grasslands and woodlands are believed to be the habitat of this dinosaur.
Who did an Afrovenator live with?
It is believed to have co-existed with Jobaria, a large-sized sauropod whose juveniles were hunted by Afrovenator . It is also believed to be related to the Allosaurus and Spinosaurus and closely related to the Eustreptospondylus, Duriavenator, and Dubreuillasaurus.
How long did an Afrovenator live?
It is assumed that this dinosaur had a lifespan of 24 years!
How did they reproduce?
There isn't much information available about the reproduction of these theropods. However, we do know that theropod dinosaurs reproduced by laying eggs and they also took part in courtship displays.
Afrovenator Fun Facts
What did an Afrovenator look like?
It was a large-sized theropod that ranged between 22.3-24.9 ft (6.8-7.6 m) in length. It had a height of 6.2 ft (1.9 m) and ranged between 998.6-1,999.5 lb (453-907 kg) in weight. The head of this dinosaur was long and large in size.
It possessed strong jaws that had 14 teeth on the mandible. Its limbs were lean and slender. The forelegs of the Afrovenator had three digits with pointed claws.
These claws came in handy for tearing prey but weren't sufficiently developed to grasp things. The hind legs were longer than the forelimbs. The tail was thick and stout.
How many bones did an Afrovenator have?
This dinosaur is one of the most complete theropods to have been excavated. The hind limbs and the forelimbs are mostly complete. However, the fossils of some ribs, parts of the pelvis, parts of the skull, and lower jaw, are incomplete.
How did they communicate?
It is assumed that this dinosaur could produce a boisterous roar to signal others of its presence and to signal dominance.
How big was an Afrovenator?
Afrovenator abakensis ranged between 22.3-24.9 ft (6.8-7.6 m) in length and could attain a height of 6.2 ft (1.9 m).
How fast could an Afrovenator move?
This dinosaur possessed a femur longer than its tibia. This suggests that it may have run at a moderate speed but wasn't able to sprint at a high speed.
How much did an Afrovenator weigh?
The weight of this dinosaur is assumed to have ranged between 998.6-1,999.5 lb (453-907 kg).
What were the male and female names of the species?
The suffix of the term dinosaur is saurus for males and saura for females.
What would you call a baby Afrovenator?
The baby of the Afrovenator abakensis species can be referred to as a hatchling or juvenile.
What did they eat?
It was a fearsome meat-eating dinosaur. This carnivore preyed on small lizards and other species of dinosaurs, such as the juveniles of Jobaria. It was a fearsome predator but was still challenged by some other carnivores.
How aggressive were they?
The name 'Afrovenator' is a juxtaposition of two Latin words that means 'African hunter'. It was the most fearsome hunter of its era. It is assumed to have been quite aggressive due to its sharp teeth and claws.
Did you know...
Afrovenator fossils are on display in the Museum of Chicago!
Who discovered the Afrovenator?
The Afrovenator was discovered by the paleontologist Paul Sereno and was named by Sereno, Larsson, Dutheil, J. A. Wilson, and Sues in 1994.
What type of teeth do Afrovenators have?
These dinosaurs had strong jaws that had 14 teeth on the mandible. These teeth were blade-like and 2 in (5 cm) long!
Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly dinosaur facts for everyone to discover! Learn more about some other creatures from our Hydrotherosaurus fun facts and Aerosteon interesting facts for kids.
You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our free printable Afrovenator coloring pages.
Second image by Kabacchi.
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