The Carnotaurus, a predatory dinosaur, roamed the Earth during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 72 to 69 million years ago. Its name, meaning “flesh-eating bull,” aptly describes its unique appearance. This bipedal carnivore was first discovered in the Chubut Province of Argentina.
Overall Stature and Dimensions
Carnotaurus exhibited a body plan typical of large theropods, standing on two legs with a robust build. It measured an estimated 7.5 to 9 meters (approximately 25 to 30 feet) in length. This dinosaur stood about 3 meters (around 10 feet) tall at its hips. Its weight is estimated to have been between 1 and 2 metric tons (2,200 to 4,400 pounds), suggesting a relatively slender and muscular physique, indicative of a fast and agile predator.
The Distinctive Head
The head of Carnotaurus was dominated by two prominent, bony horns positioned directly above its eyes. These horns, formed by the frontal bones and measuring about 15 centimeters (5.9 inches) in length, were thick and cone-shaped. These structures likely served various purposes, such as display or combat.
The skull was proportionally short and deep, with a moderately broad, blunt snout. Its teeth were relatively small and blade-like, suggesting an adaptation for quick, repeated bites rather than bone-crushing force. Its eye placement suggests good binocular vision, aiding depth perception during hunts.
Limbs and Tail
Carnotaurus possessed diminutive forelimbs, which were extremely short and appeared almost vestigial, even more so than those of other large theropods. These disproportionately small arms had four fingers, with the outer two particularly reduced, and served no significant functional purpose. In contrast, its hindlimbs were powerful and long, built for rapid movement and agile pursuit of prey.
The dinosaur’s long, muscular tail was a key component of its locomotion. It acted as a counterbalance for the body and head, providing stability and enabling quick turns during high-speed chases. The tail contained a large muscle, the caudofemoralis, which contributed significantly to its powerful strides, making Carnotaurus one of the fastest large theropods.
Skin and Texture
Detailed fossilized skin impressions offer insights into Carnotaurus’ integument. Its skin was covered in a mosaic of small, non-overlapping scales, approximately 5 millimeters in diameter. Interspersed among these smaller scales were rows of larger, conical structures, about 4 to 5 centimeters in diameter, which were irregularly distributed across its body, especially along its flanks.
These larger features, often referred to as “feature scales” or “shield scales,” did not contain a bony core, distinguishing them from true osteoderms. This gave Carnotaurus a rough, textured appearance. There is no fossil evidence to suggest the presence of feathers on Carnotaurus.