• Tyrannosaurus Sue Tyrannosaurus rex Apex
  

  Classification

  Theropoda · Tyrannosauridae

  Temporal Range

  Late Cretaceous (68–66 Ma)

  Length

  ~12.3 m (40 ft)

  Weight

  ~8.4 tonnes

  Habitat

  Floodplains, forests

  Named after the most complete T. rex fossil ever found. Sue represents a robust morph with massively reinforced skull bones capable of delivering bone-crushing bites exceeding 12,800 pounds of force. Her heavily scarred skeleton suggests a life of violent confrontation.

• Tyrannosaurus Stan Tyrannosaurus rex Apex
  

  Classification

  Theropoda · Tyrannosauridae

  Temporal Range

  Late Cretaceous (68–66 Ma)

  Length

  ~11.7 m (38 ft)

  Weight

  ~7.0 tonnes

  Habitat

  Floodplains, open woodlands

  A gracile morph T. rex representing a leaner, potentially faster variant. Stan's skull shows evidence of healed puncture wounds from another tyrannosaur, indicating territorial combat. Binocular vision and enhanced olfactory bulbs made it a devastating pursuit predator.

• Tyrannus Magnus Tyrannosaurus imperator Apex
  

  Classification

  Theropoda · Tyrannosauridae

  Temporal Range

  Late Cretaceous (68–66 Ma)

  Length

  ~13.0 m (43 ft)

  Weight

  ~9.5 tonnes

  Habitat

  Inland territories

  The proposed largest tyrannosaur species, representing the apex of tyrannosaurid evolution. Possessing two prominent incisiform teeth in the premaxilla and the most robust femur of any theropod, this animal dominated the apex predator niche across Laramidia.

• Tarbosaurus Tarbosaurus bataar Apex
  

  Classification

  Theropoda · Tyrannosauridae

  Temporal Range

  Late Cretaceous (70–68 Ma)

  Length

  ~10.0 m (33 ft)

  Weight

  ~5.0 tonnes

  Habitat

  Humid floodplains, Asia

  Asia's apex tyrannosaur and the closest known relative of T. rex. Tarbosaurus had proportionally smaller forelimbs and a narrower skull with an interlocking jaw mechanism that delivered precise, slicing bites. Dominated the Nemegt Formation ecosystem.

• Giganotosaurus Giganotosaurus carolinii Apex
  

  Classification

  Theropoda · Carcharodontosauridae

  Temporal Range

  Late Cretaceous (99–97 Ma)

  Length

  ~12.5 m (41 ft)

  Weight

  ~6.8 tonnes

  Habitat

  Semi-arid plains, South America

  One of the largest terrestrial carnivores ever discovered. Unlike bone-crushing tyrannosaurs, Giganotosaurus employed thin, blade-like teeth designed for slashing attacks that caused massive blood loss. Likely hunted sauropods in coordinated groups.

• Carcharodontosaurus Carcharodontosaurus saharicus Apex
  

  Classification

  Theropoda · Carcharodontosauridae

  Temporal Range

  Late Cretaceous (100–94 Ma)

  Length

  ~12.0 m (39 ft)

  Weight

  ~6.2 tonnes

  Habitat

  Coastal mangroves, North Africa

  The "shark-toothed lizard" possessed serrated teeth resembling those of a great white shark. Sharing its ecosystem with Spinosaurus, it claimed dominance over terrestrial prey while the spinosaurid ruled the waterways. A supremely efficient ambush predator.

• Acrocanthosaurus Acrocanthosaurus atokensis Apex
  

  Classification

  Theropoda · Carcharodontosauridae

  Temporal Range

  Early Cretaceous (116–110 Ma)

  Length

  ~11.5 m (38 ft)

  Weight

  ~6.0 tonnes

  Habitat

  Floodplains, North America

  Named for the tall neural spines along its back that supported a muscular ridge or sail. North America's largest Early Cretaceous predator, with powerful forelimbs ending in massive claws used to grapple large sauropod prey. Trackway evidence suggests coordinated hunting.

• Allosaurus Allosaurus fragilis Large
  

  Classification

  Theropoda · Allosauridae

  Temporal Range

  Late Jurassic (155–145 Ma)

  Length

  ~9.5 m (31 ft)

  Weight

  ~2.3 tonnes

  Habitat

  Semi-arid plains, North America

  The lion of the Jurassic. Allosaurus used its skull like a hatchet, striking downward with its upper jaw in a slashing bite. Biomechanical studies reveal a remarkably wide gape and reinforced skull designed for high-impact attacks against larger prey.

• Ceratosaurus Ceratosaurus nasicornis Mid-Tier
  

  Classification

  Theropoda · Ceratosauridae

  Temporal Range

  Late Jurassic (153–148 Ma)

  Length

  ~6.0 m (20 ft)

  Weight

  ~750 kg

  Habitat

  Riparian zones, wetlands

  Distinguished by its prominent nasal horn and blade-like teeth, Ceratosaurus was a versatile predator that favoured aquatic environments. Osteoderms along its back provided some armoured protection, unusual among theropods. Likely an opportunistic ambush hunter.

• Dilophosaurus Dilophosaurus wetherilli Mid-Tier
  

  Classification

  Theropoda · Dilophosauridae

  Temporal Range

  Early Jurassic (193 Ma)

  Length

  ~7.0 m (23 ft)

  Weight

  ~400 kg

  Habitat

  Riverine environments

  The largest known Early Jurassic predator, crowned by twin parallel crests used for species recognition and display. Contrary to popular film depictions, it had no frill and did not spit venom. A swift, powerful predator with strong forelimbs and raking claws.

• Carnotaurus Carnotaurus sastrei Mid-Tier
  

  Classification

  Theropoda · Abelisauridae

  Temporal Range

  Late Cretaceous (72–69 Ma)

  Length

  ~8.0 m (26 ft)

  Weight

  ~1.3 tonnes

  Habitat

  Semi-arid scrublands, South America

  The "meat-eating bull" bore thick horns above its eyes and had the most vestigial forelimbs of any large theropod. Biomechanical analysis suggests it was among the fastest large predators, reaching speeds up to 48 km/h. Built for high-speed pursuit and rapid head-strikes.

• Utahraptor Utahraptor ostrommaysi Mid-Tier
  

  Classification

  Theropoda · Dromaeosauridae

  Temporal Range

  Early Cretaceous (139–134 Ma)

  Length

  ~5.5 m (18 ft)

  Weight

  ~500 kg

  Habitat

  Forests, floodplains

  The largest known dromaeosaurid, armed with a 22 cm sickle claw on each foot. Unlike its smaller relatives, Utahraptor was a heavyweight ambush predator. Fossil evidence of multiple individuals trapped together suggests pack behavior and coordinated hunting strategies.

• Velociraptor Velociraptor mongoliensis Small
  

  Classification

  Theropoda · Dromaeosauridae

  Temporal Range

  Late Cretaceous (75–71 Ma)

  Length

  ~2.0 m (6.5 ft)

  Weight

  ~15 kg

  Habitat

  Arid dune fields, Central Asia

  A small but ferocious feathered predator. The famous "Fighting Dinosaurs" fossil preserves a Velociraptor locked in combat with Protoceratops, its sickle claw embedded in the prey's throat. Quill knobs on its forearms confirm a full coat of pennaceous feathers.

• Deinosuchus Deinosuchus riograndensis Apex
  

  Classification

  Crocodylia · Alligatoridae

  Temporal Range

  Late Cretaceous (82–73 Ma)

  Length

  ~10.6 m (35 ft)

  Weight

  ~8.5 tonnes

  Habitat

  Coastal estuaries, rivers

  The "terrible crocodile" was the largest crocodilian to ever live. Bite force estimates exceed that of T. rex. Fossil evidence shows it regularly preyed upon large dinosaurs, with tyrannosaur bones bearing Deinosuchus tooth marks found across North America.

• Dimetrodon Dimetrodon grandis Mid-Tier
  

  Classification

  Synapsida · Sphenacodontidae

  Temporal Range

  Early Permian (295–272 Ma)

  Length

  ~3.5 m (11.5 ft)

  Weight

  ~250 kg

  Habitat

  Swamplands, lakeshores

  Not a dinosaur but a stem-mammal synapsid, and the apex predator of Permian ecosystems 40 million years before the first dinosaurs. Its iconic dorsal sail likely regulated body temperature. Possessed differentiated teeth—canines, incisors, and shearing teeth—a precursor to mammalian dentition.

• Quetzalcoatlus Quetzalcoatlus northropi Flying
  

  Classification

  Pterosauria · Azhdarchidae

  Temporal Range

  Late Cretaceous (68–66 Ma)

  Wingspan

  ~10.5 m (34 ft)

  Weight

  ~200–250 kg

  Habitat

  Inland plains, coasts

  The largest flying animal in Earth's history. Standing as tall as a giraffe on the ground, Quetzalcoatlus was a terrestrial stalker that hunted small dinosaurs and mammals on foot, launching into soaring flight using powerful forelimb vaulting. Named after the Aztec feathered serpent god.

• Mosasaurus Mosasaurus hoffmannii Marine
  

  Classification

  Squamata · Mosasauridae

  Temporal Range

  Late Cretaceous (70–66 Ma)

  Length

  ~13.0 m (43 ft)

  Weight

  ~15 tonnes

  Habitat

  Open ocean, coastal seas

  The apex predator of Late Cretaceous oceans. A massive marine lizard with double-hinged jaws that allowed it to swallow large prey whole, similar to modern snakes. Possessed a secondary row of pterygoid teeth on the palate for gripping struggling prey.

• Tylosaurus Tylosaurus proriger Marine
  

  Classification

  Squamata · Mosasauridae

  Temporal Range

  Late Cretaceous (85–80 Ma)

  Length

  ~12.0 m (39 ft)

  Weight

  ~7.0 tonnes

  Habitat

  Western Interior Seaway

  One of the earliest and most formidable mosasaurs. Tylosaurus possessed a solid, bony snout used as a battering ram to stun prey and rivals. Stomach contents reveal an incredibly varied diet including sharks, plesiosaurs, smaller mosasaurs, sea birds, and ammonites.

• Dakosaurus Dakosaurus maximus Marine
  

  Classification

  Thalattosuchia · Metriorhynchidae

  Temporal Range

  Late Jurassic (157–137 Ma)

  Length

  ~5.0 m (16 ft)

  Weight

  ~800 kg

  Habitat

  Open ocean

  A fully marine crocodylomorph nicknamed "Godzilla" for its massive, T. rex-like skull. Unlike its crocodilian relatives, Dakosaurus had a short, deep snout with serrated teeth adapted for tearing flesh. Its limbs were fully converted to flippers and it possessed a fish-like tail fluke.

• Pliosaurus Pliosaurus funkei Marine
  

  Classification

  Plesiosauria · Pliosauridae

  Temporal Range

  Late Jurassic (155–145 Ma)

  Length

  ~10–13 m (33–43 ft)

  Weight

  ~12 tonnes

  Habitat

  Open ocean, Arctic seas

  Known as "Predator X" before formal classification. One of the most powerful marine predators ever, with an estimated bite force four times that of T. rex. Its four massive flippers provided devastating acceleration for ambushing prey from below in cold, dark Arctic waters.

• Triceratops Triceratops horridus Large
  

  Classification

  Ceratopsia · Ceratopsidae

  Temporal Range

  Late Cretaceous (68–66 Ma)

  Length

  ~9 m (30 ft)

  Weight

  ~6.5 tonnes

  Habitat

  Open woodlands, plains

  Three-horned face with massive parietal frill. The frill contained extensive vascular channels suggesting it was used for thermoregulation and display. Possessed a parrot-like beak backed by hundreds of stacked dental batteries designed for shearing tough vegetation.

• Brachiosaurus Brachiosaurus altithorax Titan
  

  Classification

  Sauropoda · Brachiosauridae

  Temporal Range

  Late Jurassic (154–150 Ma)

  Length

  ~22 m (72 ft)

  Weight

  ~56 tonnes

  Habitat

  Gallery forests, floodplains

  One of the tallest dinosaurs, with forelimbs longer than hindlimbs giving it a distinctive giraffe-like posture. Its elevated head position allowed it to browse treetops up to 13 meters high. Nasal openings atop the skull suggest enhanced olfactory capabilities.

• Ankylosaurus Ankylosaurus magniventris Large
  

  Classification

  Thyreophora · Ankylosauridae

  Temporal Range

  Late Cretaceous (68–66 Ma)

  Length

  ~6.25 m (20 ft)

  Weight

  ~6 tonnes

  Habitat

  Forested lowlands

  The most heavily armoured dinosaur ever discovered. Fused bony osteoderms covered its entire dorsal surface, and a massive tail club composed of fused vertebrae could swing with enough force to shatter tyrannosaur leg bones.

• Stegosaurus Stegosaurus stenops Large
  

  Classification

  Thyreophora · Stegosauridae

  Temporal Range

  Late Jurassic (155–150 Ma)

  Length

  ~9 m (30 ft)

  Weight

  ~5.3 tonnes

  Habitat

  Riparian zones

  Iconic double row of dorsal plates served as thermoregulatory structures rich in blood vessels. Its thagomizer (four tail spikes) was a lethal defensive weapon. Possessed the smallest brain-to-body ratio of any dinosaur.

• Parasaurolophus Parasaurolophus walkeri Large
  

  Classification

  Ornithopoda · Hadrosauridae

  Temporal Range

  Late Cretaceous (76.5–73 Ma)

  Length

  ~9.5 m (31 ft)

  Weight

  ~2.5 tonnes

  Habitat

  Coastal floodplains

  Its hollow cranial crest contained looping nasal passages that functioned as a resonating chamber, producing deep, far-carrying calls. CT scans reveal the crest could generate frequencies between 48–240 Hz, audible over several kilometers.

• Shantungosaurus Shantungosaurus giganteus Titan
  

  Classification

  Ornithopoda · Hadrosauridae

  Temporal Range

  Late Cretaceous (73–65 Ma)

  Length

  ~16.6 m (54 ft)

  Weight

  ~16 tonnes

  Habitat

  River deltas, Asia

  The largest known ornithischian dinosaur. So massive that it likely had few natural predators in adulthood. Its jaw contained over 1,500 tiny teeth organized into dental batteries for processing vast quantities of plant material.

• Maiasaura Maiasaura peeblesorum Mid-Tier
  

  Classification

  Ornithopoda · Hadrosauridae

  Temporal Range

  Late Cretaceous (80–75 Ma)

  Length

  ~9 m (30 ft)

  Weight

  ~3 tonnes

  Habitat

  Inland nesting grounds

  The “good mother lizard” was the first dinosaur found with evidence of parental care. Nesting colonies containing thousands of individuals suggest complex social structures. Juveniles remained in the nest until reaching roughly half adult size.

• Pachycephalosaurus Pachycephalosaurus wyomingensis Mid-Tier
  

  Classification

  Marginocephalia · Pachycephalosauridae

  Temporal Range

  Late Cretaceous (70–66 Ma)

  Length

  ~4.5 m (15 ft)

  Weight

  ~450 kg

  Habitat

  Upland forests

  Possessed a dome of solid bone up to 25 cm thick crowning its skull. Originally thought to be used for head-butting combat, recent studies suggest the dome’s flat contact surface was better suited for flank-butting rivals. The dome was ringed with bony nodes and spikes.

• Spinosaurus Spinosaurus aegyptiacus Apex
  

  Classification

  Theropoda · Spinosauridae

  Temporal Range

  Late Cretaceous (99–93.5 Ma)

  Length

  ~14 m (46 ft)

  Weight

  ~7.4 tonnes

  Habitat

  River systems, coastal mangroves

  The largest known theropod and the first confirmed semi-aquatic dinosaur. Its tall dorsal sail, paddle-like tail, and dense bones for ballast enabled aquatic pursuit of large fish. Conical teeth and crocodile-like snout were optimized for catching slippery prey.

• Suchomimus Suchomimus tenerensis Large
  

  Classification

  Theropoda · Spinosauridae

  Temporal Range

  Early Cretaceous (125–112 Ma)

  Length

  ~11 m (36 ft)

  Weight

  ~3.8 tonnes

  Habitat

  Riverine floodplains, Africa

  The “crocodile mimic” had a long, narrow snout lined with over 120 conical teeth and a hooked thumb claw for snagging fish. A low dorsal sail along its back suggests display or thermoregulatory function. Primarily a wading fisher.

• Baryonyx Baryonyx walkeri Mid-Tier
  

  Classification

  Theropoda · Spinosauridae

  Temporal Range

  Early Cretaceous (130–125 Ma)

  Length

  ~7.5 m (25 ft)

  Weight

  ~1.7 tonnes

  Habitat

  Lakeshores, rivers, Europe

  Named “heavy claw” for its 31 cm thumb claw used to hook fish from the water. The first spinosaurid discovered with direct evidence of piscivory: fossilized fish scales were found in its stomach cavity alongside partially digested bones of a juvenile Iguanodon.

• Tropeognathus Tropeognathus mesembrinus Flying
  

  Classification

  Pterosauria · Ornithocheiridae

  Temporal Range

  Early Cretaceous (110 Ma)

  Length

  Wingspan ~8.2 m (27 ft)

  Weight

  ~20 kg

  Habitat

  Coastal cliffs, open ocean

  One of the largest pterosaurs of the Cretaceous, distinguished by keeled crests on both upper and lower jaws that sliced through water during surface-skimming fish catches. Its elongated fourth finger supported a membranous wing optimized for soaring over vast ocean distances.

• Megalodon Otodus megalodon Marine
  

  Classification

  Lamniformes · Otodontidae

  Temporal Range

  Miocene–Pliocene (23–3.6 Ma)

  Length

  ~15 m (50 ft)

  Weight

  ~50 tonnes

  Habitat

  Temperate to tropical oceans

  The largest predatory shark in history. Possessed 276 serrated teeth spanning up to 18 cm, arranged in five rows. Bite force estimates exceed 180,000 newtons. Hunted whales and other large marine mammals. Its extinction coincided with the rise of modern great whites and cooling ocean temperatures.

• Styxosaurus Styxosaurus snowii Marine
  

  Classification

  Plesiosauria · Elasmosauridae

  Temporal Range

  Late Cretaceous (85–80 Ma)

  Length

  ~11 m (36 ft)

  Weight

  ~3 tonnes

  Habitat

  Western Interior Seaway

  A long-necked plesiosaur with a neck containing up to 62 vertebrae, comprising more than half its total body length. Used its extremely flexible neck to ambush schools of fish from below. Small skull and numerous sharp teeth were adapted for snapping up small, fast-moving prey.

• Gallimimus Gallimimus bullatus Mid-Tier
  

  Classification

  Theropoda · Ornithomimidae

  Temporal Range

  Late Cretaceous (70 Ma)

  Length

  ~6 m (20 ft)

  Weight

  ~440 kg

  Habitat

  Open plains, Mongolia

  The “chicken mimic” was one of the fastest dinosaurs, reaching estimated speeds of 56 km/h. Its toothless beak and large eyes suggest an omnivorous diet of seeds, insects, and small vertebrates. Lamellae inside the beak may have functioned as a filter-feeding apparatus similar to modern ducks.

• Therizinosaurus Therizinosaurus cheloniformis Large
  

  Classification

  Theropoda · Therizinosauridae

  Temporal Range

  Late Cretaceous (70 Ma)

  Length

  ~10 m (33 ft)

  Weight

  ~5 tonnes

  Habitat

  Forests, wetlands, Mongolia

  Possessed the longest claws of any known animal at up to 1 meter in length. Despite being a theropod, it evolved toward herbivory with a wide, barrel-shaped torso for fermenting plant matter. The enormous claws were likely used for pulling down branches and defensive slashing.

• Gigantoraptor Gigantoraptor erlianensis Large
  

  Classification

  Theropoda · Oviraptoridae

  Temporal Range

  Late Cretaceous (70 Ma)

  Length

  ~8 m (26 ft)

  Weight

  ~2 tonnes

  Habitat

  Semi-arid plains, Inner Mongolia

  The largest known oviraptorosaur, Gigantoraptor defied expectations by being 35 times heavier than its closest relatives. Discovered in 2005 in the Iren Dabasu Formation of China, this towering beaked theropod likely had a diet of plants, eggs, and small animals. Despite its massive size, its long legs and lightweight build suggest surprising speed and agility for an animal of its proportions.

Insectivore species coming soon.