The Jurassic Predator
Eustreptospondylus was a carnivorous dinosaur that lived during the Middle Jurassic period, approximately 170 million years ago.
| Meaning | Well-curved vertebra [Eu-strepto-spondylus] |
| Pronunciation | yoo-STREP-toh-SPON-dih-lus |
| When: | Middle Jurassic (about 165 million years ago) |
| Where: | Europe (United Kingdom) |
| What: | Theropod (carnivorous) |
| Weight: | Estimated around 200 kg (440 pounds) |
| Length: | Approximately 4.5 meters (15 feet) |
| Diet: | Carnivorous (ate other dinosaurs) |
| Discovered: | First described by Richard Owen in 1841 |
Found in what is now England, Eustreptospondylus belonged to the theropod group of dinosaurs, characterized by their bipedal stance, sharp teeth, and predatory habits.
Measuring around 5-6 meters (16-20 feet) in length and weighing about 500 kilograms (1100 pounds), Eustreptospondylus was a medium-sized theropod.
It had powerful hind limbs and grasping hands with sharp claws, which it likely used to capture and subdue prey.
Eustreptospondylus is notable for its robust build and predatory adaptations, indicating it was an efficient hunter in its Jurassic ecosystem.