Dilophosaurus, a predatory dinosaur, roamed the Earth during the Early Jurassic period, approximately 193 to 183 million years ago. This creature is recognized by its distinctive pair of bony crests adorning its skull. Fossil discoveries in North America have allowed paleontologists to piece together its appearance and lifestyle.
The Truth About Dilophosaurus’s Venom
Despite popular belief, no scientific evidence suggests Dilophosaurus was venomous or poisonous. Paleontologists examine fossils for anatomical features supporting venom delivery, such as specialized glands, hollow fangs, or grooves in teeth. Modern venomous animals, like certain snakes or lizards, possess distinct dental structures and skeletal modifications for venom delivery, such as hollow fangs or grooved teeth.
Fossil records of Dilophosaurus do not exhibit any of these features. Its sharp, curved teeth are characteristic of a typical carnivorous theropod, designed for grasping and slicing flesh, not for injecting venom. The absence of such specialized anatomy indicates this dinosaur relied on physical prowess as a predator. Thus, the notion of a venomous Dilophosaurus is unsupported by current fossil evidence.
The Origin of the Myth
The popular misconception of a venomous, frilled Dilophosaurus largely stems from its portrayal in the 1993 film Jurassic Park. In the movie, the dinosaur was depicted with an expandable neck frill and the ability to spit blinding venom. These characteristics were creative additions, unsupported by the fossil record.
The film also presented Dilophosaurus as significantly smaller than its actual estimated size. These fictional elements deeply influenced public perception of the dinosaur. They heightened the creature’s menacing presence on screen, not its biological reality.
What We Really Know About Dilophosaurus
Fossil evidence shows Dilophosaurus was considerably larger than its cinematic counterpart, measuring approximately 20 to 23 feet (6 to 7 meters) in length and weighing around 600 to 1,000 pounds (about 400 kilograms). It was a bipedal creature, meaning it walked on two legs, and its build suggests it was an agile and swift runner.
The most striking feature of Dilophosaurus was its pair of semi-circular crests on its head. These bony crests were likely too delicate for physical combat and likely used for visual display, for attracting mates or species recognition. Its long, curved, and serrated teeth indicate a carnivorous diet, well-suited for processing meat. While early theories suggested a weaker bite due to a gap in its upper jaw, more recent research indicates its skull could support powerful jaw muscles, making it an effective predator.