ALLOSAURUS FRAGILIS Meaning and
Definition
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Allosaurus fragilis is a species of large predatory dinosaur that lived in the late Jurassic Period, approximately 155 to 145 million years ago. It belongs to the Allosauridae family, which includes other similar theropod dinosaurs.
Measuring up to 40 feet in length and weighing around 2 to 3 tons, Allosaurus fragilis is known for its robust build and powerful limbs. It had a long, muscular tail that served as a counterbalance to its large head and neck. Its skull featured sharp, serrated teeth, ideal for tearing into prey.
Allosaurus fragilis was a carnivore and likely occupied the top of the food chain in its ecosystem. It primarily hunted herbivorous dinosaurs, such as stegosaurs and sauropods. It possessed a strong bite force and used its agility to bring down its prey.
The name "fragilis" in its species' title refers to its fragile bones, which led to the initial assumption that it was a scavenger rather than an active predator. However, subsequent studies suggest that these bones were not particularly brittle and, in fact, were well-adapted for its hunting lifestyle.
Numerous fossils of Allosaurus fragilis have been discovered in North America, predominantly in the Rocky Mountains region. These discoveries have provided important insights into the behavior and anatomy of this fearsome dinosaur, contributing to our understanding of the Jurassic ecosystem.
Etymology of ALLOSAURUS FRAGILIS
The word "Allosaurus fragilis" has its roots in the Greek and Latin languages. Here's a breakdown of the etymology:
1. Allosaurus: The term "allosaurus" comes from the combination of two Greek words: "allos" meaning "different" or "other", and "sauros" meaning "lizard" or "reptile". Thus, "Allosaurus" can be translated as "different lizard" or "strange reptile".
2. Fragilis: The term "fragilis" is derived from the Latin word "fragilis", which translates to "fragile" or "brittle". This word was chosen because the bones found in the fossilized remains of Allosaurus were initially thought to be fragile due to their condition, hence "Allosaurus fragilis" meaning "fragile different lizard".
