Dilophosaurus is a genesis of Theropoda (“wild beast”). Theropoda were primarily carnivorous but were also herbivores, omnivores, piscivores and insectivores. Dilophosaurus were mainly famous for the crest on their head. Here are some more facts which will fascinate you.
1. No poison
As seen in Jurassic Park (movie) that Dilophosaurus attacks by spitting venom on the prey. It’s actually not true! Its venom sacs are basically just displaced teeth.
Source: about.com
2. Neck Frills
Again, as seen in the movie, the dinosaurs lack the neck frills!
Source: about.com
3. The Movie Again!
It has been portrayed that the dinosaurs was as small as a dog but it’s not true! It was almost 20 feet tall!
Source: about.com, Image: flickr
4. First Fossil
First fossil of Dilophasaurus was found in Arizona, USA. Later, three more were found in Arizona too!
Source: enchantedlearning.com, Image: flickr
5. Exploring Nearby Areas
Despite having found fossil in Arizona, foot prints were found in New England too!
Source: telegraph.co.uk, Image: telegraph.co.uk
6. Teeth
Much a fuss has been made about Dilophosaurus’ denture stating that the back teeth were not as firmer than the front ones which made it hard to chomp on the prey despite being a carnivore.
Source: about.com, Image: interestingdinos.com
7. Fishy Tales
The dinosaurs might have been a fish eater since it was easy to hunt down fishes out of water with just its needle like teeth.
Source: about.com
8. Mystery of Crests
There are two theories to it. The first says that it was a sexual characteristic which attracted a female dilophosaurus to male dilophosaurus. The second, though, states that the crest was just there so that the others of its kind could recognize who is who.
Source: about.com
9. Confusion Confusion Everywhere
It has not been clearly decided that Dilophosaurus should be classified under what category. Some scientists claim it to Ceratosaurus, some to Coelophysis and some even Crylophosaurus!
Source: about.com
10. More of Them
Dilophosaurus was not alone with the crest! There existed Monophosaurus with a single crest too.
Source: about.com
11. Original Jurassic Park
In the sci-fi epic, Jurassic Park, Brachiosaurus and the slender Dilophosaurus actually lived during earth’s Jurassic’s period.
Source: about.co