Dinosaur with an amazing gape

Studies of jaw musculature of Jurassic Period meat-eating dinosaurs have revealed that Allosaurus fragilis could open its jaws wider than the king of the dinosaurs, Tyrannosaurus rex


Allosaurus fragilis

A. fragilis lived 157-150 million years ago


Tyrannosaurus rex: 66 million years ago, T. rex could open its mouth by 63° with bite force of 3,630kg – capable of crushing bone

Optimal angle 28°

Elliptical eye socket

Maximum angle 63°


Allosaurus fragilis

Optimal angle 28°

Elliptical eye socket

Maximum angle 79°

Despite its massive bite radius, force of its bite at about 365kg was much weaker than T. rex. A. fragilis likely used upper jaws to tear flesh from its prey

A. fragilis rivalled T. rex in size, growing up to 12-13m long and 4.5-5m tall


Picture: Graphic News
Sources: University of Birmingham, Communications Biology
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