Allosaurus fragilis Skull Replica

$298.00

The skull and teeth of Allosaurus fragilis were modestly proportioned for a theropod of its size. Paleontologist Gregory S. Paul gives a length of 33.3 in. for a skull belonging to an individual he estimates at 26 ft. long.

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Description

Allosaurus fragilis Skull Replica measures 8.5 inches. Allosaurus fragilis Skull Replica is museum quality polyurethane cast. 1:4 Scale, Made in USA. 2-part skull (separate cranium and jaw). Our precise skull can be used as a teaching tool, museum skull exhibit, home décor skull, or office décor skull.

The skull and teeth of Allosaurus fragilis were modestly proportioned for a theropod of its size. Paleontologist Gregory S. Paul gives a length of 33.3 in. for a skull belonging to an individual he estimates at 26 ft. long.

Each premaxilla (the bones that formed the tip of the snout) held five teeth with D-shaped cross-sections, and each maxilla (the main tooth-bearing bones in the upper jaw) had between 14 and 17 teeth; the number of teeth does not exactly correspond to the size of the bone.

Each dentary (the tooth-bearing bone of the lower jaw) had between 14 and 17 teeth, with an average count of 16. The teeth became shorter, narrower, and more curved toward the back of the skull. All of the teeth had saw-like edges. They were shed easily, and were replaced continually, making them common fossils.

Allosaurus fragilis skull was light, robust and equipped with dozens of sharp, serrated teeth. Its skull averaged 3.3 ft. long but could possibly reach 4.9 ft.

Allosaurus fragilis skull had a pair of horns above and in front of the eyes. These horns were composed of extensions of the lacrimal bones, and varied in shape and size. There were also lower paired ridges running along the top edges of the nasal bones that led into the horns.

Inside the lacrimal bones were depressions that may have held glands, such as salt glands. Within the maxillae were sinuses that were better developed than those of more basal theropods such as Ceratosaurus and Marshosaurus; they may have been related to the sense of smell, perhaps holding something like Jacobson’s organs. Allosaurus fragilis roof of the braincase was thin, perhaps to improve thermoregulation for the brain.

Allosaurus fragilis skull and lower jaws had joints that permitted motion within these unit horns were probably covered in a keratin sheath and may have had a variety of functions, including acting as sunshades for the eyes, being used for display, and being used in combat against other members of the same species.

Allosaurus fragilis had a ridge along the back of the skull roof for muscle attachment, as is also seen in tyrannosaurids.

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Additional information

Weight 4 lbs
Dimensions 8.5 in
Allosaurus fragilis Facts

Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Clade: Dinosauria
Clade: Saurischia
Clade: Theropoda
Family: †Allosauridae
Subfamily: †Allosaurinae
Marsh, 1878
Genus: †Allosaurus
Marsh, 1877
Type species: †Allosaurus fragilis