In Depth
Yangchuanosaurus is often likened to fulfilling the same ecological niche as Allosaurus, except in Asia instead of North America. Not only does Yangchuanosaurus have a similar morphology to Allosaurus it also had access to similar prey items such as stegosaurs and sauropods. Yangchuanosaurus had a characteristic growth on top of its nose as well as smaller horns and ridges, and also possessed a tail that made up half of its total length.
The first specimen of Yangchuanosaurus was discovered by a construction worker working upon the construction of a dam in Sichuan Province. This revealed an eight meter individual. In 1983 however the second specimen and species of Yangchuanosaurus was discovered from the same formation, and this time the remains revealed an individual estimated to be just under eleven meters long. This gives Yangchuanosaurus another similarity to Allosaurus as it has an average length of eight meters with some individuals suggesting up to eleven meters as well.
There was once a third species of Yangchuanosaurus, however this has since been found to represent another but closely related Asian theropod called Sinraptor.
Further Reading
– [A new carnosaur from Yongchuan County, Sichuan Province]. – Ke Xue Tong Bao [Science Newsletter] 23(5):302-304. – Z. Dong, Y. Zhang, X. Li & S. Zhou – 1978. – A new species of Szechuanosaurus from the Middle Jurassic of Dashanpu, Zigong, Sichuan. – Vertebrata PalAsiatica 31(4): 308-314. – Y. Gao – 1993.
