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Torvosaurus tanneri
Jurassic Carnivore

Torvosaurus

Torvosaurus tanneri

"Savage lizard of Tanner"

Period
Jurassic · Kimeridgiano a Titoniano
Lived
153–148 Ma
Length
up to 10 m
Estimated weight
3.5 t
Country of origin
Estados Unidos
Described in
1979 by Peter M. Galton e James A. Jensen

About this species

Torvosaurus tanneri is a large megalosaurid theropod from the Late Jurassic (late Kimmeridgian to basal Tithonian, about 153 to 148 million years ago) of the Morrison Formation of the western United States. Described by Peter Galton and James A. Jensen in 1979, it reached 9 to 10 metres in length, with some specimens estimated up to 11 metres, and 2 to 5 tonnes in body mass, ranking among the largest Jurassic carnivores worldwide. The skull was elongated, narrow and armed with ziphodont teeth up to 150 millimetres in crown height, among the largest ever recorded in non-avian theropods. Its forelimbs were short but extremely robust, with thick humerus and phalanges; the left humerus was designated lectotype by Britt in 1991. The animal occupied the apex predator role in the Morrison large-theropod guild alongside Allosaurus, Ceratosaurus and Saurophaganax. Later records extended the genus to Europe with the description of Torvosaurus gurneyi by Hendrickx and Mateus (2014) in the Lourinhã Formation of Portugal, and to embryos assigned to Torvosaurus sp. reported by Araújo and colleagues (2013), also from Portugal, among the oldest known dinosaur embryos.

Geological formation & environment

Morrison Formation, Brushy Basin Member, Upper Jurassic (Kimmeridgian to Tithonian, about 155 to 148 Ma). The Morrison crops out across roughly 1.5 million km² of the western interior United States, from Utah and Colorado to Wyoming and Montana, and records seasonal semi-arid to subhumid floodplains drained by meandering and braided rivers. Geographically, the Brushy Basin Member preserves the iconic multicoloured mudstones and volcaniclastic bentonites that date the unit precisely. The fauna includes sauropods (Apatosaurus, Brachiosaurus, Camarasaurus, Diplodocus, Supersaurus, Barosaurus), stegosaurs (Stegosaurus), ornithopods (Camptosaurus, Dryosaurus), large theropod predators (Torvosaurus, Allosaurus, Ceratosaurus, Saurophaganax) and small theropods (Ornitholestes, Koparion, Stokesosaurus), alongside crocodylomorphs, turtles, lizards, mammals and pterosaurs.

Image gallery

Ecology and behavior

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Habitat

Seasonal floodplains of the Morrison Formation, with marked alternation between wet and dry seasons. The environment combined fluvial watercourses, floodplains, ephemeral channels and shallow lakes interspersed with more arid caliche-bearing soils. Vegetation was dominated by conifers, cycads, bennettitaleans, ginkgos and tree ferns, with grasses absent (grasses only diversified in the Cretaceous).

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Feeding

Apex predator, strict carnivore. The elongated bladed (ziphodont) teeth, robust forelimbs with large claws and powerful jaw were consistent with active predation on large prey. Likely prey included juvenile sauropods (Apatosaurus, Diplodocus, Camarasaurus, Brachiosaurus), stegosaurs (Stegosaurus) and medium-sized ornithopods (Camptosaurus, Dryosaurus). It may also have acted as an ambush hunter in riparian zones, where its size and strength were advantageous.

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Behavior and senses

No tracks or associated sites have been unequivocally attributed to Torvosaurus tanneri, which limits direct inference. By analogy with other megalosaurids and with the Morrison guild ecology proposed by Bakker (1998), it was probably a solitary or occasional-pair hunter, with niche partitioning relative to Allosaurus (more abundant and possibly more generalist) and Ceratosaurus (preference for riparian environments). The discovery of embryos associated with Torvosaurus sp. in Portugal (Araújo et al. 2013) suggests nesting in floodplain areas.

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Physiology and growth

One of the largest Northern Hemisphere terrestrial carnivores of the Jurassic, with estimates of 2 to 5 tonnes. The robust humeri structure together with elongated ziphodont teeth indicates a predator adapted to delivering deep lacerating bites. Bone histology has not been published in detail for the American species; the Portuguese embryos (ML 1188) have provided unprecedented data on megalosauroid histomorphogenesis.

Paleogeography

Continental configuration

Mapa paleogeográfico do Jurassic (~90 Ma)

Ron Blakey · CC BY 3.0 · Jurassic, ~90 Ma

During the Kimeridgiano a Titoniano (~153–148 Ma), Torvosaurus tanneri inhabited the fragmenting Pangea. North America and Europe were still close, and the North Atlantic was just beginning to open. Climate was warm and humid globally, with no polar ice caps.

Bone Inventory

Estimated completeness 40%

Holotype BYU 2002 consists mainly of humeri, radius, ulna and manual phalanges. Britt (1991) designated the left humerus as lectotype after concluding there was no proof of association between the original elements. Referred BYU material includes cranial (dentary), vertebral and pelvic elements from Dry Mesa, amounting to around 40% of the recognised skeleton. In 2012 the 'Elvis' specimen, 55% complete, was discovered at Skull Creek Quarry (Colorado), including pelvis, associated spine and cranial elements; it is exhibited at the Cincinnati Museum of Natural History & Science and remains formally undescribed.

Found (8)
Inferred (6)
Esqueleto de dinossauro — theropod
Wikimedia Commons / Hendrickx & Mateus 2014 (PLOS ONE figure adapted for Commons) CC BY 4.0

Found elements

úmeros esquerdo e direito (o esquerdo é lectótipo, BYU 2002)rádio e ulna parciaisfalanges manuais robustasvértebras cervicais, dorsais e caudais referidaselementos pélvicos referidos (ílio, ísquio, pube)dentário com dentesdentes isolados com até 15 cm de coroametatarsos e falanges pedais

Inferred elements

crânio completomaxila, pré-maxila e jugal completoscintura escapular completaesqueleto axial completocauda completapés completos

Scientific Literature

15 papers in chronological order — from the original description to recent research.

1979

A new large theropod dinosaur from the Upper Jurassic of Colorado

Galton, P.M. e Jensen, J.A. · Brigham Young University Geology Studies 26(2), 1-12

Original description of the genus and species Torvosaurus tanneri based on holotype BYU 2002, collected in 1972 at the Dry Mesa Quarry (Colorado). The authors interpreted the animal as a distinct theropod based on its robust forelimbs and humeral character combinations, establishing a new large Jurassic North American predator.

Skeletal mount based on material from the type locality discussed by Galton and Jensen (1979), a visual reference for the first description of the genus.

Skeletal mount based on material from the type locality discussed by Galton and Jensen (1979), a visual reference for the first description of the genus.

Skeletal reconstruction with preserved elements marked, useful as a comparative reference to the holotype material described by Galton and Jensen (1979).

Skeletal reconstruction with preserved elements marked, useful as a comparative reference to the holotype material described by Galton and Jensen (1979).

1991

Theropods of Dry Mesa Quarry (Morrison Formation, Late Jurassic), Colorado, with emphasis on the osteology of Torvosaurus tanneri

Britt, B.B. · Brigham Young University Geology Studies 37, 1-72

Detailed osteological monograph on Torvosaurus tanneri material from Dry Mesa Quarry. Britt designated the left humerus as lectotype, concluded that the original forearm bones could not be reliably associated, and showed affinities with Megalosaurus, supporting the placement of Torvosaurus within Megalosauridae.

Dry Mesa Dinosaur Quarry, type locality of Torvosaurus tanneri, where Britt (1991) reviewed the osteological material.

Dry Mesa Dinosaur Quarry, type locality of Torvosaurus tanneri, where Britt (1991) reviewed the osteological material.

Torvosaurus skeletal mount at the Museum of Ancient Life, incorporating BYU 2002 holotype elements redescribed by Britt (1991).

Torvosaurus skeletal mount at the Museum of Ancient Life, incorporating BYU 2002 holotype elements redescribed by Britt (1991).

1992

Edmarka rex, a new, gigantic theropod dinosaur from the middle Morrison Formation, Late Jurassic, of the Como Bluff outcrop area

Bakker, R.T., Kralis, D., Siegwarth, J. e Filla, J. · Hunteria 2(9), 1-24

Description of Edmarka rex based on a large theropod from Como Bluff (Wyoming). Most researchers today regard the taxon as a junior synonym of Torvosaurus tanneri, though a detailed formal analysis has yet to be published. The synonymy question is repeatedly cited in later Morrison megalosaurid literature.

Life reconstruction of Torvosaurus tanneri used as a comparative reference for the material described as Edmarka rex by Bakker et al. (1992).

Life reconstruction of Torvosaurus tanneri used as a comparative reference for the material described as Edmarka rex by Bakker et al. (1992).

Size comparison of Torvosaurus with a human; a body size consistent with the large Como Bluff theropod fed the debate over synonymy with Edmarka rex.

Size comparison of Torvosaurus with a human; a body size consistent with the large Como Bluff theropod fed the debate over synonymy with Edmarka rex.

1998

Brontosaur killers: Late Jurassic allosaurids as sabre-tooth cat analogues

Bakker, R.T. · Gaia 15, 145-158

Bakker's ecological essay on the Morrison large-carnivore guild. Interprets Allosaurus, Ceratosaurus and Torvosaurus as occupying distinct niches, with Torvosaurus often near watercourses and its powerful forelimbs suggesting predation on large-bodied prey. The paper underpins recurrent later ecological interpretations of Torvosaurus.

Mounted Allosaurus skeleton at the Natural History Museum of Vienna. Bakker (1998) interprets Allosaurus as a direct ecological competitor of Torvosaurus in the Morrison large-predator guild.

Mounted Allosaurus skeleton at the Natural History Museum of Vienna. Bakker (1998) interprets Allosaurus as a direct ecological competitor of Torvosaurus in the Morrison large-predator guild.

Ceratosaurus skeleton, the third large theropod of the Morrison guild analysed by Bakker (1998), who proposes niche partitioning among Torvosaurus, Allosaurus and Ceratosaurus.

Ceratosaurus skeleton, the third large theropod of the Morrison guild analysed by Bakker (1998), who proposes niche partitioning among Torvosaurus, Allosaurus and Ceratosaurus.

2000

Torvosaurus sp. (Dinosauria: Theropoda) in the Late Jurassic of Portugal

Mateus, O. e Antunes, M.T. · I Congresso Ibérico de Paleontologia / XVI Jornadas de la Sociedad Española de Paleontología (abstract volume)

First record of the genus Torvosaurus outside North America, based on a tibia (ML 430) from the Lourinhã Formation, Portugal. Establishes the biogeographic parallel between Iberian and Morrison faunas that would be consolidated with the description of Torvosaurus gurneyi in 2014.

Femur and tibia of Torvosaurus sp. from the Lourinhã Formation (Portugal), the first record of the genus outside North America reported by Mateus and Antunes (2000).

Femur and tibia of Torvosaurus sp. from the Lourinhã Formation (Portugal), the first record of the genus outside North America reported by Mateus and Antunes (2000).

Museu da Lourinhã, the institution holding the Torvosaurus material described by Mateus and Antunes (2000) and later Lourinhã Formation samples.

Museu da Lourinhã, the institution holding the Torvosaurus material described by Mateus and Antunes (2000) and later Lourinhã Formation samples.

2003

The interrelationships and evolution of basal theropod dinosaurs

Rauhut, O.W.M. · Special Papers in Palaeontology 69, 1-213

Broad phylogenetic analysis of basal theropods. Rauhut places Torvosaurus among derived megalosaurids, close to Megalosaurus and Afrovenator, and contributes to the modern structuring of Megalosauroidea, with Spinosauridae as sister group. It serves as foundation for later revisions (Benson 2010; Carrano et al. 2012).

Comparison of the maxillae of Torvosaurus tanneri and Torvosaurus gurneyi, the anatomical basis cited in phylogenetic analyses of the genus within Megalosauridae.

Comparison of the maxillae of Torvosaurus tanneri and Torvosaurus gurneyi, the anatomical basis cited in phylogenetic analyses of the genus within Megalosauridae.

Megalosaurus bucklandii, type megalosaurid that anchors the anatomy of Megalosauridae where Torvosaurus sits.

Megalosaurus bucklandii, type megalosaurid that anchors the anatomy of Megalosauridae where Torvosaurus sits.

2004

Basal Tetanurae

Holtz, T.R., Molnar, R.E. e Currie, P.J. · The Dinosauria, 2nd edition (University of California Press)

Reference chapter on basal tetanurans in the second edition of The Dinosauria. Places Torvosaurus tanneri in Megalosauridae (Torvosaurinae) and synthesises the anatomical and biogeographic knowledge accumulated up to 2004, immediately before the explosion of Portuguese discoveries.

Reconstructed skull of Torvosaurus tanneri, long and narrow, armed with ziphodont teeth, the synthesis used in the Holtz, Molnar and Currie (2004) chapter.

Reconstructed skull of Torvosaurus tanneri, long and narrow, armed with ziphodont teeth, the synthesis used in the Holtz, Molnar and Currie (2004) chapter.

Mounted Torvosaurus skeleton combining preserved material and casts, representative of the anatomical synthesis presented by Holtz et al. (2004).

Mounted Torvosaurus skeleton combining preserved material and casts, representative of the anatomical synthesis presented by Holtz et al. (2004).

2010

A description of Megalosaurus bucklandii (Dinosauria: Theropoda) from the Bathonian of the UK and the relationships of Middle Jurassic theropods

Benson, R.B.J. · Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 158, 882-935

Osteological revision of Megalosaurus bucklandii and phylogenetic analysis that establishes Megalosauridae with the subfamilies Megalosaurinae (including Torvosaurus) and Afrovenatorinae. Modern foundation for the phylogenetic position of Torvosaurus tanneri.

Reconstructed Torvosaurus skull with known elements highlighted, an anatomical reference used in analyses such as Benson (2010) to place the genus in Megalosaurinae.

Reconstructed Torvosaurus skull with known elements highlighted, an anatomical reference used in analyses such as Benson (2010) to place the genus in Megalosaurinae.

Afrovenator abakensis, African megalosauroid, cladistic comparator for Torvosaurus.

Afrovenator abakensis, African megalosauroid, cladistic comparator for Torvosaurus.

2012

The phylogeny of Tetanurae (Dinosauria: Theropoda)

Carrano, M.T., Benson, R.B.J. e Sampson, S.D. · Journal of Systematic Palaeontology 10(2), 211-300

Comprehensive cladistic analysis of 61 basal tetanuran taxa. Formally defines Piatnitzkysauridae and places Torvosaurus tanneri as a derived megalosaurid within Megalosaurinae, sister to Torvosaurus sp. from Portugal, later formalised as T. gurneyi.

Eustreptospondylus oxoniensis, English Middle Jurassic megalosauroid, European context.

Eustreptospondylus oxoniensis, English Middle Jurassic megalosauroid, European context.

Piatnitzkysaurus floresi, South American megalosauroid used in phylogenetic analyses of Megalosauridae.

Piatnitzkysaurus floresi, South American megalosauroid used in phylogenetic analyses of Megalosauridae.

2012

A Middle Jurassic abelisaurid from Patagonia and the early diversification of theropod dinosaurs

Pol, D. e Rauhut, O.W.M. · Proceedings of the Royal Society B 279, 3170-3175

Although focused on the abelisauroid Eoabelisaurus, this paper presents a basal tetanuran phylogenetic tree that includes Torvosaurus within Megalosauridae, reinforcing the Carrano et al. (2012) topology. A frequent reference for the internal structure of Megalosauroidea.

Life reconstruction of Piatnitzkysaurus floresi by Nobu Tamura, Gondwanan context.

Life reconstruction of Piatnitzkysaurus floresi by Nobu Tamura, Gondwanan context.

Allosaurus fragilis, large coeval theropod of the Morrison Formation, main ecological competitor.

Allosaurus fragilis, large coeval theropod of the Morrison Formation, main ecological competitor.

2013

Filling the gaps of dinosaur eggshell phylogeny: Late Jurassic theropod clutch with embryos from Portugal

Araújo, R., Castanhinha, R., Martins, R.M.S., Mateus, O., Hendrickx, C., Beckmann, F., Schell, N. e Alves, L.C. · Scientific Reports 3, 1924

Description of an Early Tithonian clutch from the Lourinhã Formation (Portugal) with several crushed eggs and embryonic material (ML 1188) assigned to Torvosaurus sp. Represents the first associated eggs and embryos of megalosauroids and ranks among the oldest known dinosaur embryos.

Figure 1 of Araújo et al. (2013, Scientific Reports): embryonic cranial bones of Torvosaurus sp. (ML 1188) from the Lourinhã Formation.

Figure 1 of Araújo et al. (2013, Scientific Reports): embryonic cranial bones of Torvosaurus sp. (ML 1188) from the Lourinhã Formation.

Figure 6 of Araújo et al. (2013): phylogenetic positioning of the Torvosaurus embryos in the context of theropod egg evolution.

Figure 6 of Araújo et al. (2013): phylogenetic positioning of the Torvosaurus embryos in the context of theropod egg evolution.

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Figure 1

Figure 2

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Figure 3

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Figure 4

Figure 4

2013

Macroevolutionary and morphofunctional patterns in theropod skulls: a morphometric approach

Foth, C. e Rauhut, O.W.M. · Acta Palaeontologica Polonica 58(1), 1-16

Morphometric analysis of theropod skulls. Compares the narrow elongated skull of Torvosaurus with other large Morrison theropods (Allosaurus, Ceratosaurus, Saurophaganax) and with the carcharodontosaurid Acrocanthosaurus, discussing ecomorphological partitioning among these forms.

Ceratosaurus nasicornis, another large Morrison theropod, predator guild context.

Ceratosaurus nasicornis, another large Morrison theropod, predator guild context.

Allosaurus skull at the San Diego Natural History Museum, a central comparative benchmark in the Foth and Rauhut (2013) theropod skull morphometrics.

Allosaurus skull at the San Diego Natural History Museum, a central comparative benchmark in the Foth and Rauhut (2013) theropod skull morphometrics.

2013

A new specimen of Torvosaurus tanneri originally collected by Elmer Riggs

Hanson, M. e Makovicky, P.J. · Historical Biology 26(6), 775-784

Description of a Torvosaurus tanneri specimen (Field Museum) collected by Elmer Riggs in 1899 in the Freezeout Hills (Wyoming) and recently rediscovered in collection. Includes phalanges and pedal elements previously unknown for the species, and briefly discusses possible synonymy with Edmarka rex.

Life reconstruction of Ceratosaurus nasicornis, size comparator for Torvosaurus.

Life reconstruction of Ceratosaurus nasicornis, size comparator for Torvosaurus.

Marshosaurus bicentesimus, small Morrison theropod, part of the fauna of the same stratigraphic interval.

Marshosaurus bicentesimus, small Morrison theropod, part of the fauna of the same stratigraphic interval.

2014

Torvosaurus gurneyi n. sp., the largest terrestrial predator from Europe, and a proposed terminology of the maxilla anatomy in nonavian theropods

Hendrickx, C. e Mateus, O. · PLOS ONE 9(3), e88905

Formal description of Torvosaurus gurneyi based on maxilla ML 1100 from the Lourinhã Formation (Portugal) and reappraisal of the dimorphism previously suggested for T. tanneri. The authors distinguish the two species by maxillary alveoli count (T. gurneyi has fewer than 11, T. tanneri has more than 11) and interdental plate morphology. The paper also proposes a standardised terminology for the maxilla of non-avian theropods and includes a phylogenetic analysis that confirms the placement of Torvosaurus within Megalosauridae.

Figure 4 of Hendrickx and Mateus (2014, PLOS ONE): skeletal reconstruction of T. gurneyi in lateral view, with holotype elements in red and referred elements in blue.

Figure 4 of Hendrickx and Mateus (2014, PLOS ONE): skeletal reconstruction of T. gurneyi in lateral view, with holotype elements in red and referred elements in blue.

Figure 5 of Hendrickx and Mateus (2014): photographs and interpretive drawings of holotype maxilla ML 1100 with comparative anatomy of T. tanneri.

Figure 5 of Hendrickx and Mateus (2014): photographs and interpretive drawings of holotype maxilla ML 1100 with comparative anatomy of T. tanneri.

Figure 1. Proposed terminology and annotation of the nonavian theropod maxilla.

Figure 1. Proposed terminology and annotation of the nonavian theropod maxilla.

Figure 2. Proposed terminology and annotation of the nonavian theropod maxilla.

Figure 2. Proposed terminology and annotation of the nonavian theropod maxilla.

Figure 3. Proposed terminology and annotation of the nonavian theropod maxilla.

Figure 3. Proposed terminology and annotation of the nonavian theropod maxilla.

Figure 4. Reconstruction of Torvosaurus gurneyi in lateral view.

Figure 4. Reconstruction of Torvosaurus gurneyi in lateral view.

2017

New data on the anatomy of Torvosaurus and other remains of megalosauroid (Dinosauria, Theropoda) from the Upper Jurassic of Portugal

Malafaia, E., Mocho, P., Escaso, F. e Ortega, F. · Journal of Iberian Geology 43(1), 33-59

Description of new cranial and postcranial megalosauroid material from the Lusitanian Basin (Portugal), including two partial maxillae, isolated teeth, vertebrae and appendicular elements assignable to Torvosaurus gurneyi. Confirms the relative abundance of the genus in the late Kimmeridgian to basal Tithonian of the Consolação sub-basin. The group updated the review in 2020 integrating new Portuguese finds.

Outcrops of the Lourinhã Formation in Portugal: geological context for the Portuguese Torvosaurus specimens.

Outcrops of the Lourinhã Formation in Portugal: geological context for the Portuguese Torvosaurus specimens.

Maxillary teeth of Torvosaurus gurneyi, the type of material abundant in the Portuguese collections reviewed by Malafaia et al. (2017).

Maxillary teeth of Torvosaurus gurneyi, the type of material abundant in the Portuguese collections reviewed by Malafaia et al. (2017).

Famous museum specimens

BYU 2002 (holótipo; lectótipo: úmero esquerdo) — BYU Museum of Paleontology, Provo, Utah, Estados Unidos

Wikimedia Commons

BYU 2002 (holótipo; lectótipo: úmero esquerdo)

BYU Museum of Paleontology, Provo, Utah, Estados Unidos

Completeness: Úmeros esquerdo e direito, rádio, ulna e falanges manuais; lectótipo designado por Britt (1991) é o úmero esquerdo
Found in: 1972
By: James A. Jensen e Kenneth Stadtman

Holotype collected in 1972 at Dry Mesa Quarry (Montrose County, Colorado), in the Brushy Basin Member of the Morrison Formation. Housed at Brigham Young University. The 10 metre mounted skeleton at the BYU Museum of Paleontology incorporates holotype and referred material and was the first articulated Torvosaurus on museum display (2001). Britt (1991) redesignated the left humerus as lectotype after concluding that the association of the original elements was doubtful.

'Elvis' (espécime sem número oficial; ainda não descrito formalmente) — Museum of Natural History & Science, Cincinnati, Ohio, Estados Unidos

Wikimedia Commons

'Elvis' (espécime sem número oficial; ainda não descrito formalmente)

Museum of Natural History & Science, Cincinnati, Ohio, Estados Unidos

Completeness: Cerca de 55% do esqueleto (pelve, coluna vertebral associada, membros posteriores e elementos cranianos)
Found in: 2012
By: Equipe privada no Skull Creek Quarry, Colorado

The most complete Torvosaurus known to date, still formally undescribed. The Cincinnati Museum mount complements preserved material with casts from other Torvosaurus specimens.

ML 1100 (holótipo de Torvosaurus gurneyi) — Museu da Lourinhã, Lourinhã, Portugal

Wikimedia Commons

ML 1100 (holótipo de Torvosaurus gurneyi)

Museu da Lourinhã, Lourinhã, Portugal

Completeness: Maxila esquerda quase completa
Found in: 2006
By: Aart Walen (coletor amador neerlandês)

Near complete left maxilla found in the Lourinhã Formation and designated holotype of Torvosaurus gurneyi by Hendrickx and Mateus (2014). Central to the distinction between the two Torvosaurus species, on display at the Museu da Lourinhã.

ML 1188 (embriões de Torvosaurus sp.) — Museu da Lourinhã, Lourinhã, Portugal

Scientific Reports / Araújo et al. 2013 (CC BY)

ML 1188 (embriões de Torvosaurus sp.)

Museu da Lourinhã, Lourinhã, Portugal

Completeness: Ninhada com ovos esmagados, fragmentos de casca e ossos embrionários cranianos e pós-cranianos
Found in: 2005
By: Aart Walen

Early Tithonian clutch with eggs and embryos assigned to Torvosaurus sp., described by Araújo et al. (2013) in Scientific Reports. It is the first worldwide record of megalosauroid embryos and one of the oldest known dinosaur embryos.

In cinema and popular culture

Torvosaurus has documented appearances mostly in palaeontology documentaries, notably as antagonist in 'The Watering Hole', the second episode of the documentary series 'Dinosaur Revolution' (Discovery Channel, 2011), where the character 'Savage' interacts with an Allosaurus and a sauropod Dinheirosaurus in an Iberian setting. The British documentary series 'Planet Dinosaur' (BBC, 2011) did not feature the genus, despite popular rumours. Media attention resurged with the 2014 description of Torvosaurus gurneyi, covered by CNN and National Geographic, but no major blockbuster reconstruction has been produced so far. Its absence from massive fictional franchises (Jurassic Park and Jurassic World) reinforces its profile as a 'forgotten apex predator' in pop culture, in contrast with its scientific importance.

Animatrônico do T-rex da franquia Jurassic Park com o Jeep característico da série

Full-size T-rex animatronic from the Jurassic Park franchise, with the iconic red Jeep — Amaury Laporte · CC BY 2.0

2011 📹 Dinosaur Revolution

Classification

Dinosauria
└ Saurischia
└ Theropoda
└ Megalosauroidea
└ Megalosauridae

Discovery

First fossil
1972
Discoverer
James A. Jensen e Kenneth Stadtman (Brigham Young University)
Formal description
1979
Described by
Peter M. Galton e James A. Jensen
Formation
Formação Morrison (Brushy Basin Member)
Region
Colorado (Montrose County)
Country
Estados Unidos
Galton, P.M. e Jensen, J.A. (1979) — Brigham Young University Geology Studies 26(2), 1-12

Fun fact

Torvosaurus tanneri is considered the largest known terrestrial predator of the Jurassic Northern Hemisphere, with estimates of 9 to 11 metres in length. Its teeth could exceed 15 centimetres in crown height, among the largest ever recorded in non-avian theropods. And the Torvosaurus sp. embryos found in Portugal and described by Araújo et al. (2013) in Scientific Reports are among the oldest known dinosaur embryos worldwide, providing a rare window into the embryonic development of megalosauroids.