FOR AGES 3 YEARS TO 18 YEARS
At Kidadl we pride ourselves on offering families original ideas to make the most of time spent together at home or out and about, wherever you are in the world. We strive to recommend the very best things that are suggested by our community and are things we would do ourselves - our aim is to be the trusted friend to parents.
We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family.
Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability.
Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
The Zhuchengtyrannus genus of the Tyrannosauridae family from Late Cretaceous China contains a single species, Zhuchengtyrannus magnus. The literal meaning of the name 'Zhuchengtyrannus' is a combination of the type locality and the word 'tyrant', and simply translates to 'tyrant from Zhucheng', whereas, the term 'magnus' is a reflection of its great size.
Fossil remains (dating approximately 73.5 million years ago) discovered exclusively in Zhucheng (Shandong province) of China suggest that the massive tyrant inhabited the terrestrial floodplains and is easily one of the largest Asian species of dinosaur. Tyrannosaurine theropods, in general, are characterized by some common features (small arms and powerful jaws), however, this species is clearly distinguishable from a specimen of T. rex or Tarbosaurus in certain aspects, mainly due to the sizes of the maxilla and the dentary.
If you like this article about the Zhuchengtyrannus, don't forget to check out Gorgosaurus and Daspletosaurus to learn interesting facts about them.
Originally, the Chinese pronounce the first syllable with a softer 'J' sound (more like 'zh') or 'Joo-cheng-tie-ran-us'. However, the larger anglophone population would drop the 'zh' sound for a harder sounding 'z' and pronounce it as 'Zoo-cheng-tie-ran-us'.
Zhuchengtyrannus, belonging to the family Tyrannosauridae of subfamily Tyrannosaurinae, is an extinct genus of carnivorous theropod dinosaurs. They were among one of the largest tyrannosaurine dinosaurs found in Asia. Dunjin Li Shuan Ji along with Qiang Ji, David W E Hone, and others came up with the nomenclature and for the first time, described these dinosaurs.
It is estimated that the Zhuchengtyrannus inhabited the earth during the Late Cretaceous period. The fossil remains dating approximately 73.5 million years ago were recovered from what is now the eastern part of China, in Zhucheng (Shandong Province).
Not much research has been done on how and when the extinction of this species spiraled. However, it is known that the Late Cretaceous period underwent some severe environmental changes which could have played a role in their extinction.
Their distribution was primarily localized in Asia and the fossils recovered were exclusively from a quarry in China's Shandong Province. Varied accounts, however, suggest that the distribution may have been more scattered in reality.
Taking into consideration that the Zhuchengtyrannus skeleton remains and bones were almost exclusively contained in a single quarry near the city of Zhucheng, it is very likely these creatures inhabited the floodplains of what is now the eastern part of China.
Not much is known about Zhuchengtyrannus' social lifestyle and compatibility due to a lack of substantial data. However, mass death sites of other tyrannosaurines (Albertosaurus and Gorgosaurus) have led a group of paleontologists to believe those tyrannosaurus dinosaurs engaged in social interactions (pack hunting) while another group envisions the carnivorous theropods as solitary animals.
The estimated lifespan of a carnivorous dinosaur is calculated by mapping the lifespan of its descendants (large birds) which ranges around the 28-30 year mark. Separate information about the Zhuchengtyrannus could not be obtained due to the unavailability of any evidential remains.
It is known that dinosaurs (including Zhuchengtyrannus) were oviparous and reproduced by laying eggs. It is also speculated that a dinosaur, by virtue of sharing a common ancestry with crocodiles and birds, had a reproductive opening called the 'cloaca'. However, soft tissues are seldom fossilized, and hence, any more information about their reproductive lives is evidentially absent.
Zhuchengtyrannus, like other tyrannosaurine dinosaurs, were bipedal creatures characterized by small arms, long legs, and powerful jawbones. However, the Zhuchengtyrannus size and appearance are hard to determine due to a paucity of available information. The fossil remains recovered were mainly from the fragments of the skull and an almost complete set of teeth. The classification is, therefore, based primarily on the size of the right maxilla and left dentary and the differences found in the teeth structure. This species of tyrannosaurine theropod can be distinguished from other tyrannosaurus species by the presence of a flat rack on the sidelong surface of the maxilla, and other unique features found in the skull (maxillary fenestra).
The skeletal composition cannot be determined accurately as much as the evidence is based solely on an incomplete skull frame. Bones from the upper jaw and lower jaw (with teeth intact) are the only known remains.
The pattern of communication is not known due to a lack of specified research on the subject. However, there are varied accounts regarding what the Tyrannosaurus may have sounded like, which range from a loud roar to a soft coo.
Although their exact size is still largely speculative, it's remarkable what paleontologists were able to recover from the sole holotype ZCDM V0031. Zhuchengtyrannus, which is estimated to have measured 33-39 ft (10-12 m) in length, 13 ft (4 m) in height, and weighing nearly 11,905-13,228 lb (5400-6000 kg) was in fact, monstrous in size. The dentary of this holotype is slightly smaller than that of a T. rex specimen and larger than that of a Tarbosaurus specimen. The length of the maxilla is one of the largest among Asian dinosaurs.
It is estimated that the locomotion abilities of tyrannosaurids were limited to a maximum speed of 25 mph (40 kph). Due to a lack of substantial evidence, the speed range of the Zhucheng tyrant is only speculative, however, it is believed to be slower in comparison to a T. rex.
This creature is estimated to have weighed between 11,905-13,228 lb (5400-6000 kg). In spite of boasting a weight nearly equal to a small truck, their physical build lacked the enormity of other tyrannosaurine species such as the T. rex.
There are no separate names assigned to the male and female counterparts. They can simply be referred to as male and female Zhuchengtyrannus.
Dinosaurs, in general, were oviparous therefore, a baby Zhuchengtyrannus would likely be called a hatchling or a chick. However, it is absolutely alright to call them baby Zhuchengtyrannus.
The Zhucheng tyrant was a carnivorous theropod and is believed to have been one of the apex predators of the region it inhabited. Fossils of Shantungosaurus giganteus, ankylosaurids, were recovered from the same quarry where Zhuchengtyrannus bones were found, meaning these other dinosaurs could have been potential prey to it. One of its competitors was probably the Tarbosaurus, which ranged in similar size, scale, and strength.
Although Tyrannosaurus rex is depicted as a fierce predator in popular media, the lack of sufficient data due to an incomplete skull frame slows down the study of Zhuchengtyrannus. Their level of aggression is still unclear but, it can be surmised that the enormous jawbones and teeth were intended for a powerful bite.
The quarry where the Zhuchengtyrannus magnus's remains were discovered is considered to be one of the most fossil-rich zones and is a potential storehouse for the discovery of newer species of tyrannosaurus and other dinosaurs. An interesting factor, that a diverse variety of dinosaur fossils were found concentrated in a single floodplain, which can be attributed to a natural disaster. It is likely that these creatures were wiped out by a flood.
Zhuchengtyrannus bones were discovered by a stroke of luck when construction workers were digging the foundations of a museum near Zhucheng city in China's Shandong Province in 2009.
Zhuchengtyrannus and the Tarbosaurus were closely related tyrannosaurid theropod and almost the exact in size and scale with the latter's dentary being smaller by a bit. Both these creatures were apex Asian predators and are distinguishable due to certain unique features of the maxilla (specifically the lack of a subcutaneous flange). With regards to Zhuchengtyrannus vs T. rex, the two giants were quite evenly matched; the former was only slightly smaller, as it was found upon comparing the dentary and maxilla remnants of the two species.
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 Gigantoraptor fun facts, or Australovenator facts for kids.
You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our free printable T-Rex coloring pages.
Hero image by The Afenogaster
Second image by I. Reid
Read The Disclaimer
At Kidadl we pride ourselves on offering families original ideas to make the most of time spent together at home or out and about, wherever you are in the world. We strive to recommend the very best things that are suggested by our community and are things we would do ourselves - our aim is to be the trusted friend to parents.
We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family.
Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability.
Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
Kidadl is independent and to make our service free to you the reader we are supported by advertising.
We hope you love our recommendations for products and services! What we suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team. If you purchase using the buy now button we may earn a small commission. This does not influence our choices. Please note: prices are correct and items are available at the time the article was published.
Kidadl has a number of affiliate partners that we work with including Amazon. Please note that Kidadl is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.
We also link to other websites, but are not responsible for their content.
Was this article helpful?
We’ll send you tons of inspiration to help you find a hidden gem in your local area or plan a big day out.
Check your inbox for your latest news from us. You have subscribed to:
Remember that you can always manage your preferences or unsubscribe through the link at the foot of each newsletter.