Bahariasaurus is a large dinosaur from the Late Cretaceous period, specifically around 95 million years ago. Its name means “Bahariya lizard” because it was discovered in the Bahariya Formation in Egypt. This dinosaur is part of a group called theropods, which are mainly known for their meat-eating habits.
The only known species of Bahariasaurus is Bahariasaurus ingens. This dinosaur is thought to have been around 11 to 12 meters long, which is about the same as a big bus, and weighed around 4 tons, roughly the weight of a small car.
Most of what we know about Bahariasaurus comes from its bones, particularly the vertebrae or backbones. Unfortunately, most of its fossils were destroyed during World War II, so only illustrations remain.
Bahariasaurus lived around the same time as other famous dinosaurs, such as Tyrannosaurus rex. It is debated whether Bahariasaurus is closely related to another dinosaur called Deltadromeus. Some scientists believe they might be the same, while others think they are different.
Bahariasaurus is mainly known from pieces of its body and not its head. This dinosaur had some unique features in its vertebrae that set it apart from others. It belonged to a group of dinosaurs that includes some very large predators.
The Bahariya Formation, where Bahariasaurus was found, was home to several large predators. This suggests that these dinosaurs might have shared their environment without competing too heavily for food, similar to how animals might carve out different niches in the same habitat today.
Overall, Bahariasaurus remains a fascinating subject of research as scientists continue to learn more about its place in the dinosaur family tree and its life in prehistoric times.