Some sizes for the largest predators

[Tom Holtz <tholtz@geochange.er.usgs.gov>]

Given the recent discussion of giant predators, here are some femur lengths
for the largest individuals of various theropod species (in meters):

Tyrannosaurids:
Tyrannosaurus rex       1.38
Tyrannosaurus bataar    0.97 (but larger individuals are known from skulls)
Daspletosaurus torosus  1.00
Maleevosaurus novojilovi        0.65
Aublysodon sp.          1.03
Albertosaurus saurophagus       1.02
Gorgosaurus libratus    1.04

Ornithomimids:
Gallimimus bullatus     0.66
Ornithomimus edmontonicus       0.58
[Deinocheirus would probably be over 1.00, but no hind limb material has
been described]

Dromaeosauridae:
Deinonychus antirrhopus 0.34
[The femur of Utahraptor had not been described, and would be considerably
longer]

Allosauridae:
Acrocanthosaurus atokensis      1.15
Allosaurus fragilis     0.88 (not the largest individual, but the
Smithsonian specimen)
cf. Saurophagus         0.99
Chilantaisaurus tashuikouensis  1.19

Ceratosauria:
Ceratosaurus nasicornis 0.62
Dilophosaurus wetherilli        0.56

Herrasauridae:
Herrerasaurus ischigualestensis 0.47

and the Argentine giant 1.44


                                
Thomas R. Holtz, Jr.                                   
tholtz@geochange.er.usgs.gov
Vertebrate Paleontologist in Exile                  Phone:      703-648-5280
U.S. Geological Survey                                FAX:      703-648-5420
Branch of Paleontology & Stratigraphy
MS 970 National Center
Reston, VA  22092
U.S.A.