Fun Aublysodon Facts For Kids

Aublysodon, ‭meaning backward flowing tooth‭, is a genus that comprises medium-sized dinosaurs that are known from fossil remains found in the Judith River Formation of Montana. This genus only includes only one recognized species whose fossil remains found date back to 75-80 million years. It belongs to the Tyrannosaurus family. This species, Aublysodon mirandus, was named in 1868 by Joseph Leidy. However, it is now regarded dubious as the specimen comprises only the front teeth. This species was described by Leidy only by the teeth fossils discovered. It was thus named after the shape of its teeth. Similar teeth fossil specimens have been discovered in western Canada, Asia, and some US states.

It is believed that these teeth are from a specimen of a juvenile Tyrannosaurine tyrannosaurid. It is also possible that the teeth belong to the Daspletosaurus genus species. This species existed in the late Cretaceous period's Campanian age. It was a carnivorous dinosaur that fed upon fish. Keep reading to discover interesting Aublysodon facts related to its species, skull, fossil remains, classification history, and more!

If you enjoyed reading our Aublysodon interesting facts, you must check out our roar-some Thalassodromeus surprising facts and Jaxartosaurus interesting facts!

How do you pronounce 'Aublysodon'?

The genus Aublysodon can be pronounced as 'Ow-blih-so-don'.

What type of dinosaur was an Aublysodon?

The Aublysodon mirandus‭ species are theropods. However, the Aublysodon genus is no longer considered a valid genus by many paleontologists. It is mainly considered to be a juvenile Tyrannosaurus rex because of its large eyes and long teeth which are the characteristic of the juvenile specimens of the T-rex. Similar teeth are also seen in the specimens of Daspletosaurus.

In which geological period did the Aublysodon roam the earth?

The fossil remains of Aublysodon mirandus‭ date back to 75-80 million years. It is believed that the dinosaurs of this genus roamed the Earth during the Late Cretaceous period in the late Campanian age. It was assumed that Aublysodon dinosaurs were the most dangerous predators of the Late Cretaceous period until the Tyrannosaurus was discovered.

When did the Aublysodon become extinct?

It became extinct 75 million years ago. It is believed to have lived up until the Maastrichtian Age.

Where did an Aublysodon live?

The first fossil remains of Aublysodon mirandus‭ included a skull excavated in the Judith River Formation in Montana during the '80s. This specimen is lost now, but teeth that resemble this specimen have been discovered in many locations such as western Canada, Asia, and are also found in many states of the United States. The Aublysodon mirandus‭ dinosaurs had a widespread distribution as the remains have been found in many regions. The Aublysodon mirandus‭ fossil remains have also been discovered in western North America. The teeth of these dinosaurs were discovered in many western United States localities before the bones of Tyrannosaurus were discovered.

What was an Aublysodon's habitat?

This dinosaur's habitat preference is not known. However, we do know that it was a terrestrial animal.

Who did an Aublysodon live with?

It is known to have co-existed with the Judiceratops, Dromiceiomimus, and Weewarrasaurus during the Cretaceous period.

How long did an Aublysodon live?

The lifespan of Aublysodon dinosaurs is not known. However, we do know that its cousin, Tyrannosaurus rex had a lifespan of about 28 years.

How did they reproduce?

This dinosaur reproduced by laying eggs.

What did an Aublysodon look like?

The species Aublysodon mirandus had a slender body and pointed teeth that were attached to a long tapering skull that was the same length as that of a human's arm. This skull is believed to be an adaption to catch fish. They had textured scaly skin.

How many bones did an Aublysodon have?

The number of bones that the Aublysodon mirandus dinosaur possessed is not known. However, we do know that its cousin Tyrannosaurus rex possessed about 200 bones!

How did they communicate?

The members of the Tyrannosauridae family are assumed to have communicated via mumbles, low-frequency rumbles, and coos.

How big was an Aublysodon?

The species Aublysodon mirandus ranged between 22.9-26.2 ft (7-8 m) in length. It is believed to have attained a height of 6-6.5 ft (1.8-2 m). It is smaller than its cousin, the Tyrannosaur rex, and was assumed to be its juvenile!

How fast could an Aublysodon move?

Members of the family Tyrannosauridae are believed to have moved at speeds between 11-45 mph (17.7-72.4 kph). Paleontologists have estimated that theropods did not run due to the absence of running tracks. They are believed to have only walked as there have been many walking tracks discovered. They are assumed to have been quite agile and could have stalked for long distances as they were well adapted for that.

How much did an Aublysodon weigh?

The Aublysodon dinosaur is assumed to have weighed approximately 13,479.8 lb (6,114.3 kg).

What were the male and female names of the species?

The suffix of the term dino-saur is saurus for males and saura for females.

What would you call a baby Aublysodon?

The baby of species of the Aublysodon mirandus can be referred to as a juvenile or hatchling.

What did they eat?

This dinosaur was carnivorous and is assumed to have fed upon fish due to its long tapering skull. This skull has a length similar to that of a human's arm and had pointed teeth.

How aggressive were they?

These dinosaurs are considered to be quite aggressive as they were quite sturdily built and fed upon other animals.

Did you know...

The Aublysodon mirandus dinosaur can be seen at the National Museum of Natural History in Washington.

In 1988, Paul thought Aublysodon must belong to a subfamily of tyrannosaurids known as Aublysodontinae, the term being coined already with Aublysodontidae in 1928 by Franz Nopcsa.

Genera such as Palaeoscincus, Troodon, and Trachodon were named for isolated teeth during the mid to late 19th century!

Is Aublysodon a theropod?

This dinosaur is a theropod as it was a terrestrial dinosaur that was also carnivorous.

What does Aublysodon mean?

The name of the Aublysodon mirandus dinosaur was kept by Joseph Leidy in 1868. The meaning of its name is not certain as there was no explanation or etymology given by Leidy. However, the genus name originated from a Greek word that means 'backward', 'again', 'spout', 'to flow, and 'tooth'. The genus name implies backward flowing tooth.

 Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly dinosaur facts for everyone to discover! For more relatable content, check out these Panoplasaurus facts and Panoplosaurus facts for kids.

You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our free printable Aublysodon coloring pages.

Main image by Jorge Jaramillo and second image by David Monniaux.