Page 59 - Prehistoric Animals

Gorgo-Saw-Rus

Gorgosaurus

What is a Dinosaur ?
Known as a Dinosaur

Gorgosaurus (dreadful lizard) is
a genus of tyrannosaurid theropod dinosaur that
lived during the late Cretaceous Period around 76 to
75 million years ago. It was about 8 to 9 metres in
length and weighed around 2 to 3 tonnes. It was a
large bipedal predator with a massive head, and jaws
that were lined with dozens of large, sharp curved
teeth*. Its two-fingered forelegs were comparatively
small, but it had powerful pair of hindlegs.

As an earlier relative of the Tyrannosaurus,
Gorgosaurus’ build was like that of a typical tyranno-
saurid dinosaur, only slightly smaller. This smaller
stature was more than compensated for by its huge
head and powerful jaws. Its teeth were more densely
packed than the Tyrannosaurus and its biting power
more effective. In its day Gorgosaurus was a top
predator, capable of attacking and eating anything
that got in its way.

Since Lawrence Lambe Named it, Gorgosaurus
libratus, in 1914, dozens of fossilized specimens
of Gorgosaurus have been unearthed making it the
best known tyrannosaurid on record. However, G.
libratus, still remains the only recognised species of
the genus Gorgosaurus. This status is challenged by
some, who claim Gorgosaurus is the same species as
Albertosaurus**. If proven correct and under the
rule, ’first named takes priority’, G. libratus would
become Albertosaurus libratus. This argument how-
ever, has its roots in the past when, using the same
argument, Gorgosaurus was removed and taken over
by Albertosaurus. Further studies then, by Phillip
Currie proved conclusively that they were separate
genera and Gorgosaurus was reinstated. Some disa-
gree with Curries findings, so the argument goes on.

*Some put the count to over sixty teeth.
**Named by Henry Fairfield Osborn in 1905