Carnivore

A relative of the infamous Tyrannosaurus rex, Albertosaurus is a carnivorous theropod from the Late Cretaceous period. Believed to have been the apex predator of its time, Albertosaurus’ rows of razor-sharp teeth make light work of the smaller, herbivorous dinosaurs it preys on, while its sheer size – approximately 9.5m long and weighing around 4 tonnes – ensure other predators steer clear.

At around 12m in length and more than six tonnes in weight, Acrocanthosaurus is one of the largest theropods and dates back to the Early Cretaceous period. This carnivorous dinosaur gets its name – which translates to ‘high-spined lizard’ – from the elongated spines running the length of its neck and back, while its sharp teeth and powerful jaw make it a fearsome predator comparable to the much more well-known Tyrannosaurus rex.

Velociraptor’s reputation as one of the most terrifying dinosaurs comes not from its size – at just 4m in length it is dwarfed by many less intimidating genera – but its ferocity and intelligence. With its large, sharp teeth and sickle-shaped claws, Velociraptor is a highly efficient predator, preying upon Tsintaosaurus and Dryosaurus among others, although its relative lack of power means it is unlikely to attack large or armoured dinosaurs.

The most famous of all dinosaurs, Tyrannosaurus rex enjoys a fearsome reputation around the world thanks to its size, power and aggression – a status borne out by its name, which translates to ‘King of the tyrant lizards’. At around 13.5m in length and over eight tonnes in weight, Tyrannosaurus rex was the apex predator of its time, with the most powerful jaw known to science and rows of large, serrated teeth.

Notable for the thick horns above its eyes, Carnotaurus is a theropod from the Late Cretaceous period. Weighing around 2 tonnes and spanning 10m in length with two rows of long, sharp teeth, this carnivorous dinosaur was the apex predator of its era – and the combination of its unique horns and flesh-ripping teeth gave Carnotaurus its name, meaning ‘meat-eating bull’.

Allosaurus is one of the most fearsome dinosaurs ever to have roamed the earth, weighing up to two tonnes and measuring around 12m in length. The apex predator of the Late Jurassic period, Allosaurus’ enormous skull contains rows of large, serrated teeth for tearing flesh, while its long, powerful tail helps it to balance.

The small theropod Coelophysis is one of the earliest dinosaurs to have walked the earth, dating back 190-225m years to the Triassic period. Its name translates to ‘hollow form’ in reference to its hollow leg bones, which allow it to reach speeds of up to 25mph thanks to its light frame. Coelophysis is a carnivore and uses its sharp teeth and talons to catch its prey.