Jurassic World Evolution 2

Gigantspinosaurus is a genus of herbivorous dinosaur notable for the large spines on its shoulders, which help to protect it from predators – in fact, its name translates to ‘giant-spined lizard’. It is part of the stegosaur family, weighing around 700kg and growing up to 7.7m in length with a strong jaw that helps it to chew the plants and shrubs it feeds on.

At around 14 tonnes in weight and 15m in length, Giganotosaurus is one of the largest theropods ever to have lived – its name translates to ‘giant southern lizard’, in reference to its large frame and its South American habitat. It has a similar appearance to the infamous Tyrannosaurus rex, with rows of long, serrated teeth and a powerful jaw for tearing into its prey.

Geosternbergia is named after American palaeontologist George F. Sternberg, who was the first to discover then genus. It is one of the largest pterosaurs, with a wingspan of over 7m and a long, tapered beak that can grab fish out of the water or be used as a spear for catching them. Geosternbergia is notable for the distinctive crest on its head, which it used to attract mates for reproduction.

Gallimimus is a genus of theropod from the ornithomimidae family. Although its name translates to ‘chicken mimic’, Gallimimus is the biggest of the ornithomimid dinosaurs, at around 450kg and 4m in length – the name refers to its neck vertebrae, which are similar to those of chickens. Fast, agile, intelligent and with excellent vision. Gallimimus is well adapted to evading predators and catching its own prey.

Euoplocephalus is one of the largest ankylosauridae at around 7m in length and weighing two tonnes, and feeds on ground-level plants with its tapered beak. It is best known for its clubbed tail, armour plates on its back and horns at the base of its head – all of which help Euoplocephalus to protect itself from predators. In fact, the name Euoplocephalus translates to ‘well-armoured head’.

The carnivorous plesiosaur Elasmosaurus is easily recognisable thanks to its extended neck, which can grow up to 10m in length – roughly double the length of the rest of its body. Elasmosaurus’ streamlined body and paddle-shaped limbs allow it to swim quickly in search of fish and small reptiles to eat, grabbing prey with its long, sharp teeth. Its name translates to ‘thin-plate reptile’, referring to the plate-like bones in its chest and pelvis.

Edmontosaurus is a genus of herbivorous hadrosaurid dinosaur notable for its distinctive bill-shaped mouth. At 9m in length and over 3 tonnes in weight, Edmontosaurus is one of the largest hadrosaurids – but despite its bulky frame it can run at speeds of up to 30mph, allowing it to escape from predators.

Dryosaurus is a genus of ornithopod dinosaur that lived during the Late Jurassic period, around 140-155m years ago. It weighs around 80-90kg and can reach up to 5m in length, with strong legs for running at speed and a stiff tail for retaining balance – both key attributes for escaping predators. Its name translates to ‘tree lizard’, in reference to its preference for forest areas.

At around 65 tonnes in weight and 19m in length, the titanosaurian sauropod Dreadnoughtus – which translates to ‘fears nothing’ - is one of the largest dinosaurs that has ever lived. Despite its vast size and intimidating name Dreadnoughtus is a herbivore, using its 11m long neck to reach leaves that other dinosaurs can’t get to, while also feeding on ground-level vegetation.

Dracorex – full name Dracorexis hogwartsia – is a herbivore from the pachycephalosaur family and is notable for its large horns and ridged skull. In fact, this dinosaur’s appearance gives a clue to its name; the English translation of Dracorex is ‘Dragon King’. Dracorex was approximately 3.5m in length and weighed in at over 1,300lbs, with an armoured skull that protected it from predators.