**Albertosaurus: The Alberta Lizard**
Albertosaurus is a large, bipedal dinosaur that roamed northwestern North America during the Late Cretaceous period, about 71 to 68 million years ago. The name “Albertosaurus” means “Alberta lizard,” named after the Canadian province of Alberta, where its fossils were first discovered.
**Key Features**
– Albertosaurus was a predator, which means it hunted other animals for food.
– It had short arms with two fingers and a big head full of large, sharp teeth.
– This dinosaur relied on its excellent sense of smell and vision to catch prey.
– It could grow up to 26 to 30 feet long and weigh between 1.7 and 3.0 tons.
– Although it was large, it was smaller than its more famous cousin, Tyrannosaurus rex.
**Fossil Discoveries**
Fossils of more than 30 Albertosaurus individuals have been found. A significant find was a bone bed with 26 individuals, suggesting they may have lived and traveled in groups. The first fossil, a partial skull, was discovered in 1884 by an expedition led by geologist Joseph Burr Tyrrell.
**Naming History**
Albertosaurus was officially named by scientist Henry Fairfield Osborn in 1905. He chose the name based on the location of the find and the Greek word “sauros,” which means lizard, plus “sarcophagus,” meaning flesh-eating.
**Physical Features**
– The skull was large, about 3.3 feet long, featuring wide openings for muscles and sensory organs, which helped lighten the structure.
– Albertosaurus had around 58 banana-shaped teeth, suited for holding onto slippery prey.
– The body was balanced with a long tail, supporting its heavy head.
**Life and Behavior**
– Fossils indicate that Albertosaurus grew quickly, especially during certain ages.
– Young Albertosaurus were fast and agile, allowing them to hunt smaller creatures.
– Evidence suggests they may have traveled in groups, much like social animals today.
**Environment**
Albertosaurus lived in varied environments, including coastal areas and floodplains of rivers. They coexisted with numerous other dinosaurs, especially herbivores like Edmontosaurus and Saurolophus, which likely served as prey.
In summary, Albertosaurus was a fascinating dinosaur with a mix of impressive traits and behaviors, making it a significant predator of its time and a highlight in our understanding of prehistoric life.