Late Jurassic
Western North America

Ceratosaurus was a large, but rare, predatory dinosaur in the ecosystem preserved in the famous Morrison Formation.

Most people would recognize Ceratosaurus as the dinosaur with the horn on its nose. It was a member of a more primitive lineage of carnivorous dinosaurs than its more famous contemporary Allosaurus.

The larger and more blade-like teeth of Ceratosaurus suggested that its prey was different from that of Allosaurus. Ceratosaurus also differs from Allosaurus in having more massive front teeth which are more circular in cross-section and with vertical ridges on the inner surface of the crown.

This ridging in seen in many other reptiles that feed on fish and thus may be a clue to the diet of Ceratosaurus.

Size: 4½ "

WEP, with informative label

Price: $12.00

Click on image to enlarge.