Carnivore

The large carnivorous spinosaurid Suchomimus is known for its unusual appearance – although its body is similar to that of Baryonyx or Spinosaurus, its long snout bears a closer resemblance to a modern-day crocodile; in fact, the name Suchomimus translates to ‘crocodile mimic’. Suchomimus can weigh up to two and a half tonnes and grow up to 9.5m in length, with large claws on its hand for catching and killing fish and small animals.

Spinosaurus is a genus of carnivorous dinosaur native to North Africa, and lived around 95m years ago during the Late Cretaceous period. Its name translates to ‘spine lizard’, in reference to the long spines on its back vertebrae that form a sail, which researchers believe helps Spinosaurus to regulate its temperature. At around 18m in length and up to four tonnes in weight, Spinosaurus is one of the largest meat-eating dinosaurs to have existed.

A relative of the fearsome apex predator Tyrannosaurus rex, Qianzhousaurus bears a resemblance to its more famous cousin, although it is significantly smaller (growing up to around eight tonnes and over 10m from head to tail) and has a distinctive elongated snout. Although its jaw is less powerful than larger Tyrannosaurids, its ability to run at speed makes Qianzhousaurus an efficient predator.

The small theropod Proceratosaurus is a carnivorous dinosaur, and is notable for the bold crest on its snout. Its name comes from the belief, upon its discovery, that the genus was related to Ceratosaurus. However further research has found that it is in fact a cousin of Tyrannosaurus, albeit much smaller at around 4m in length.

Metriacanthosaurus is a genus of carnivorous theropod that existed during the Late Jurassic period. Named after the spines on its vertebrae – the name translates to ‘moderately-spined lizard’ – Metriacanthosaurus can grow up to eight metres in length and over a tonne in weight, and preys on large herbivores. Despite its relatively large size, Metriacanthosaurus can reach speeds of up to 20mph.

Megalosaurus was one of the first non-flying dinosaurs ever to be discovered, and lived around 155-170m years ago. This carnivorous theropod’s name translates to ‘great lizard’, an apt description for a dinosaur that grows up to 6m in length and can weigh about 700kg. Megalosaurus’ large size, powerful jaw and serrated teeth made it the apex predator of its environment.

Majungasaurus is a carnivorous theropod from the Late Cretaceous period and grew to around 9m in length. As the apex predator of its era, it used its sharp teeth and powerful bite to tear flesh from its targets and is one of the few dinosaurs known to have eaten members of its own genera - although research has not confirmed whether this cannibalistic behaviour took the form of hunting or scavenging on carcasses.

A genus of the Pliosauridae, the notorious Liopleurodon is one of the largest marine reptiles. Its name means ‘smooth-sided teeth’, and this fearsome apex predator patrolled the oceans of the Mid-Late Jurassic Period using its rows of sharp teeth and powerful jaws to prey on other giant reptiles of the period. Liopleurodon’s hunting efforts are aided by a strong sense of smell that allows it to locate its targets, while its large fins propel the reptile across seas at high speed.

Indoraptor is a hybrid dinosaur created from the DNA of numerous other genera including Velociraptor, Deinosuchus and the ferocious Indominus rex. Famed for its high intelligence and aggressive nature, Indoraptor is known as one of the most dangerous dinosaurs in existence, with incredible speed, strength and agility, excellent eyesight and the ability to camouflage itself ahead of ambushing its prey.

Indominus rex is unique in the dinosaur world, in that it is a ‘hybrid’ genus created by combining multiple existing genera, including Deinosuchus, Giganotosaurus, Carnotaurus, Velociraptor and the infamous Tyrannosaurus rex, as well as tree frogs and snakes. As such, Indominus rex is perhaps the most fearsome dinosaur of all, boasting Giganotosaurus’ size, Velociraptor’s intelligence and speed, Tyrannosaurus rex’s power and aggression, plus further traits from tree frogs and cuttlefish that allow it to hide its thermal signature.