Fun Zhuchengtyrannus Facts For Kids

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.

How do you pronounce 'Zhuchengtyrannus'?

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'.

What type of dinosaur was a Zhuchengtyrannus?

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.

In which geological period did the Zhuchengtyrannus roam the earth?

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).

When did the Zhuchengtyrannus become Extinct?

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.

Where did a Zhuchengtyrannus live?

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.

What was a Zhuchengtyrannus' habitat?

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.

Who did a Zhuchengtyrannus live with?

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.

How long did a Zhuchengtyrannus live?

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.

How did they reproduce?

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.

What did a Zhuchengtyrannus look like?

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).

How many bones did a Zhuchengtyrannus have?

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.

How did they communicate?

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.

How big was a Zhuchengtyrannus?

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.

How fast could a Zhuchengtyrannus move?

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.

How much did a Zhuchengtyrannus weigh?

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.

What were the male and female names of the species?

There are no separate names assigned to the male and female counterparts. They can simply be referred to as male and female Zhuchengtyrannus.

What would you call a baby 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.

What did they eat?

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.

How aggressive were they?

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.

Did you know...

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.

Where was Zhuchengtyrannus found?

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 vs Tarbosaurus

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