Carnivore

Herrerasaurus is a small theropod, measuring around 4.5m in length and 200kg in weight. It is one of the earliest known dinosaurs, dating back to the Late Triassic period. With a light frame that allow it to run very quickly and large, jagged teeth that help it to latch onto prey, Herrerasaurus feeds on smaller herbivores.

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.

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.

Dilophosaurus is a genus of large carnivorous theropod, averaging around 3m in length and 300kg in weight. It gets its name – which translates to ‘two-crested lizard’ - from the distinctive crests that sit atop its head, which are used to attract mates for reproduction. Dilophosaurus’ slender build means it can move at high speeds, while its powerful jaw allows it to keep hold of prey as it struggles to escape.

Deinonychus is a genus of theropod that existed around 110m years ago during the Early Cretaceous period. Its name translates to ‘terrible claw’, a reference to the long, scything talon on the second toe of its hind feet, which Deinonychus uses to defend itself from predators and attack its prey. Deinonychus is a close relative of Velociraptor and can grow up to 3m in length.

Cryolophosaurus is one of the largest theropods ever to have existed, measuring around 7m in length and half a tonne in weight. It was one of the first carnivorous dinosaurs, feeding on smaller dinosaurs and mammals. The name Cryolophosaurus, which translates to ‘frozen crested lizard’, is a reference to the striking crest on its head and the cold climate of its habitat, Antarctica.

Compsognathus is one of the smallest theropods ever to have existed, at under 1m in length and weighing little over 2kg – roughly the size of a chicken. Despite its small stature Compsognathus is a carnivore, using its speed and agility to hunt down lizards, insects and even other small dinosaurs. Compsognathus’ name translates to ‘pretty jaw’, a reference to its long, narrow snout.

At around 6m in length and just under one tonne in weight, Ceratosaurus is an average-sized theropod from the Late Jurassic period. This carnivore is best known for the large horn on its snout and two further horns above its eyes, which gave rise to its name – Ceratosaurus translates to ‘horned lizard’.

Carcharodontosaurus is a carnivorous theropod dinosaur that existed during the Late-Cretaceous Period, around 95-100 million years ago. At around 15m in length, Carcharodontosaurus is one of the largest theropods, and gets its name – which translates to ‘jagged teeth lizard’ - from its teeth, which can grow up to eight inches.

Named after the esteemed British natural historian David Attenborough, Attenborosaurus is a genus of pliosaurid that grows up to 6.4m in length. Notable for its long neck and paddle-like limbs, this piscivorous marine reptile can move through the water at high speeds, catching prey with its long, sharp teeth.