Cryolophosaurus ellioti

† Cryolophosaurus ellioti, the 'frozen crested lizard,' is an Early Jurassic tetanuran theropod from the Hanson Formation of Antarctica, one of the southernmost dinosaurs ever discovered. Reaching approximately 6.5 m in length and 465 kg, it bore an unusual transverse bony crest above its eyes, earning the nickname 'Elvisaurus.' A carnivore of large prosauropods and other vertebrates, it inhabited a seasonally forested polar landscape. Named in honour of geologist David Elliot, who discovered the site.

Diet & Feeding

Carnivore

Cryolophosaurus ellioti was a meat-eating predator. Carnivorous dinosaurs were active hunters or scavengers, equipped with sharp teeth and claws for catching and consuming prey. They occupied the top of the food chain in their ecosystems.

Time Period

Jurassic Early Mesozoic Era

Cryolophosaurus ellioti lived during the Jurassic Early period of the Mesozoic Era, approximately 201.4 to 174.7 million years ago.

After the Triassic-Jurassic extinction, dinosaurs rapidly diversified and became the dominant land vertebrates. Early sauropods and theropods began to evolve larger body sizes.