Tyrannotitan (Tyrant Titan)

Basic facts

  • 43 feet (13m) length

  • Late Cretaceous

  • Argentina

  • Carnivore

Tyrannotitan, scientifically known as "Tyrannotitan chubutensis," belongs to the family of Carcharodontosaurids that were a part of the theropod dinosaurs. It thrived during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 95 million years ago, in what is now modern-day Argentina. The name "Tyrannotitan" is a tribute to its tyrannosauroid traits and its colossal size, derived from "tyranno," meaning "tyrant," and "titan," signifying "giant."

The fossil remains of Tyrannotitan were discovered in Chubut Province, Argentina, adding to the rich trove of dinosaur discoveries in South America.

As a theropod, Tyrannotitan sported characteristic features of the group. It was a bipedal dinosaur, utilizing its powerful hind limbs for swift and agile locomotion. Its forelimbs were comparably smaller than its massive hind limbs and ended in sharp claws, indicating its carnivorous nature.

Tyrannotitan was a massive dinosaur, boasting an estimated length of 40 to 50 feet (12 to 15 meters) and towering at about 15 feet (4.5 meters) in height, rivaling other colossal theropods like Tyrannosaurus rex. It belongs to the same family as other large predators such as Carcharodontosaurus and particularly Giganotosaurus, as well as Mapusaurus.

Tyrannotitan was likely a dominant predator of its time, utilizing a combination of its immense size and formidable weaponry to establish itself at the top of the food chain. As a solitary hunter, it probably roamed vast territories, stalking its prey with stealth and striking with ferocity when the opportune moment arose.

While fossils of Tyrannotitan nests and eggs are yet to be discovered, it is speculated that, like other theropods, it may have displayed some level of parental care, ensuring the survival of its offspring during their early stages of life.