Siamotyrannus is a dinosaur that lived during the Early Cretaceous period, about 145 to 125 million years ago. Its name means “Siamese tyrant,” and it is a type of theropod dinosaur, which is known for being a meat-eater.
**Discovery**
In 1993, a partial skeleton of Siamotyrannus was found in Thailand by a researcher named Somchai Traimwichanon. This finding took place in the Phu Wiang area. A few years later, in 1996, a team of scientists led by Eric Buffetaut officially named the species Siamotyrannus isanensis. The name reflects the old kingdom of Siam, which is now known as Thailand.
**Fossils Found**
The fossils of Siamotyrannus were discovered in an area called the Sao Khua Formation. The main fossil, called the holotype, includes parts of the pelvis, several vertebrae from its back and tail, and some other bones. These bones suggest Siamotyrannus was a sizable dinosaur.
**Size and Features**
Siamotyrannus was estimated to be around 6 to 10 meters long, which is about 20 to 33 feet. Its weight is thought to have been between 500 kg and 1.75 tonnes. One interesting feature is that it had special ridges on its hip bone.
**Classification**
At first, scientists believed Siamotyrannus was related to the famous Tyrannosaurus because of its name. However, over time, studies showed it might not fit neatly into that category. Some researchers suggested it could be a type of allosaur, another group of large meat-eating dinosaurs. Today, its exact place in the dinosaur family tree remains uncertain, and it might be related to other large theropods.
In conclusion, Siamotyrannus is a fascinating dinosaur that gives us a glimpse into the diversity of life on Earth millions of years ago.