Fun Tarascosaurus Facts For Kids

Tarascosaurus is a group of theropod dinosaurs whose bones were uncovered from the regions of southern Europe.

Eric Buffetaut and Jean Le Loeuff named them Tarascosaurus salluvicus in 1991. This species dated back to the late Cretaceous period, which was as many as 145 million years ago. Studies indicate that they had very strong legs and followed a carnivorous diet.

Based on the fossil remains, the body size of Tarascosaurus is estimated to be 102-118 in (2.6-3 m) in length. 'Tarascosaurus' roughly translates into Tarasque lizard. Tarasque is described as a mighty dragon that used to inhabit the regions of Provence.

Most of the fossils that have been uncovered of this dinosaur from the Late Cretaceous time are fragmentary. Therefore, unless all the fossils are found, the exact number of bones of this species cannot yet be determined. Some of the regions from where the specimens were uncovered include southern France and Spain.

Tarascosaurus Interesting Facts

How do you pronounce 'Tarascosaurus'?

Tarascosaurus can be a tricky word to say. The easiest way to pronounce this name is by breaking it into 'Tah-ras-coe-sore-us'.

What type of dinosaur was a Tarascosaurus?

This particular species belongs to the theropod group of dinosaurs. There have been controversies regarding the classification of this species. In the year 1991, they were placed in the group of abelisaurid. However, later in the year 2003, some claimed that this theropod dinosaur lacked some significant physical traits that were unique to abelisaurs.

In which geological period did the Tarascosaurus roam the earth?

This particular theropod dinosaur roamed the planet during the late Cretaceous period, which was as many as 145 million years ago.

When did the Tarascosaurus become extinct?

Not much is known about when this particular species of dinosaur became extinct. In general, all species of dinosaurs went extinct as many as 65 million years ago.

Where did a Tarascosaurus live?

The holotypes of Tarascosauruswas were uncovered from the regions of France, Europe. Studies reveal that this particular species was found in Fuvelian beds of southern France and some regions of Spain, Europe. The specimens that were discovered consist of the upper femur and two dorsal vertebrae.

What was a Tarascosaurus's habitat?

The earliest remains of this dinosaur were discovered from an escarpment. Therefore, it can be assumed that this species inhabited that particular region during the Late Cretaceous time.

It is still not known who discovered the first remains of this species. The type species of Tarascosaurus was named Tarascosaurus salluvicus in 1991 by the French paleontologist Eric Buffetaut and Jean Le loeuff.

Who did a Tarascosaurus live with?

Not much information is available about whether this particular theropod from France, lived alone or in groups. However, an interesting fact about Tarascosaurus is that some believe it was the apex predator of its regions, during the late Cretaceous period. It followed a carnivoreous diet and hunted down other smaller-sized animals for its daily source of food.

How long did a Tarascosaurus live?

The lifespan of this particular group of dinosaurs is not yet known. The lifespan of a dinosaur largely depends on the species or genus to which it belongs. While some had a lifespan of 70-80 years, others like T-rex had a lifespan of only 28 years.

How did they reproduce?

Like all other species of dinosaurs, Tarascosaurus too, reproduced by laying eggs. After the hatching of the eggs, new juveniles were born.

Tarascosaurus Fun Facts

What did a Tarascosaurus look like?

Tarascosaurus is described as a theropod dinosaur. Although some researchers claim this species to be the largest among the abelisaurid group of dinosaurs, some others consider them to be the smallest abelisaurs.

They had a small skull, with powerful jaws and small arms. They had strong legs, which aided them in their movement.

Based on the fossils that were uncovered, the size of this species is estimated to be around 102-118 in (2.6-3 m) in length. One of the fossils that was uncovered from Spain indicates that they weighed around 198 lb (90 kg).

How many bones did a Tarascosaurus have?

The exact number of bones possessed by these abelisaurs is unknown. The specimens that have been uncovered are fragmentary. Unless the complete fossils are not found, the number of bones cannot be calculated. The specimens that have been recovered, include thighbones also known as femur, and dorsal vertebrae. Upon their discovery, subsequently, they were named Tarascosaurus salluvicus in 1991.

How did they communicate?

How this particular group of abelisaurs communicated with each other is unknown. In general, most dinosaurs usually used a variety of sounds and body movements to send signals to each other.

How big was a Tarascosaurus?

The body size of Tarascosaurus is estimated to be around 102-118 in (2.6-3 m). However, there are several theories regarding the exact size. While some claim this theropod dinosaur to be the largest among abelisaurid, others believe that they were the smallest group of dinosaurs among abelisaurid.

How fast could a Tarascosaurus move?

Studies indicate that Tarascosaurus had very strong legs, which aided them in their movement, especially while catching their prey. The speed of a Tarascosaurusis estimated to be around 20 mi per hour (32.2 km per hour).

How much did a Tarascosaurus weigh?

Researchers claim that this species, whose fossils were uncovered from regions of Spain, weighed around 198 lb (90 kg). However, there are still a few controversies regarding the exact weight or length of this species. Some consider them to be the smallest abelisaurid, while others claim them to be the largest abelisaurs.

What were the male and female names of the species?

There is no sex-specific name for this species of dinosaur. A male Tarascosaurus was simply referred to as a male dinosaur and a female Tarascosaurus was referred to as a female dinosaur.

What would you call a baby Tarascosaurus?

A baby dinosaur is called a hatchling or a juvenile.

What did they eat?

Tarascosaurus followed a carnivore diet. They preyed on other smaller dinosaurs or animals for their daily source of food. Their strong and large legs further aided them in their hunting process.

How aggressive were they?

Since it is known that Tarascosaurus salluvicus largely followed a carnivore diet, it can be safely assumed that they were rather aggressive by nature. They could move really fast, because of their strong legs. This further helped them in preying on other smaller-sized animals.

Did You Know...

This particular species was given its unique name in the year 1991 by Jean Le Loeuff and Eric Buffetaut. Tarasca or tarasque refers to a mighty dragon that used to live in Province.

The type species was called Tarascosaurus salluvicus.

The name Tarascosaurus salluvicus roughly translated to Tarasque Lizard.

The identity of the person who discovered the earliest specimens of this particular genus still remains unknown.

There have been controversies regarding the classification of this particular genus. In the year 1991, this genus was classified as an abelisaurid. However, in the year 2003, it was found that some of the physical traits that were unique to the abelisaurs were missing in this particular genus of dinosaurs.

Is Tarascosaurus theropod?

Tarascosaurus salluvicus has been classified as a theropod dinosaur from the Late Cretaceous period. The earliest remains of this species were discovered from an escarpment in France. It was in the year, 1991 French paleontologist Eric Buffetaut and Jean Le Loeuff gave them this unique name.

What does Tarascosaurus mean?

French paleontologists Eric Buffetaut and Eric Le Loeuff named this species in the year 1991 after a monster from Spanish folklore, called Tarasca. Tarasca or Tarasque is described as a mighty dragon that used to inhabit the regions of Provence. Tasrascosaurus roughly translates into Tarasque lizard.

*We've been unable to source an image of Tarascosaurus and have used an image of Styracosaurus instead. If you are able to provide us with a royalty-free image of Tarascosaurus, we would be happy to credit you. Please contact us at hello@kidadl.com.

*We've been unable to source an image of Tarascosaurus and have used an image of Aucasaurus instead. If you are able to provide us with a royalty-free image of Tarascosaurus, we would be happy to credit you. Please contact us at hello@kidadl.com.