New Dinosaur Species Torvosaurus gurnii: The 32-Foot Predator of Portugal

A new dinosaur species from Portugal was a 32-foot predator with four-inch teeth. Meet Torvosaurus gurnii and learn why its discovery changed the story of Jurassic Europe.

Torvosaurus gurnii was identified from fossils found in Portugal, including a jawbone, shin bone, teeth, and tail vertebrae. Researchers realized it was different from the related Torvosaurus tanneri partly because it had fewer teeth in its upper jaw and differences in its bones. The episode explores how this new dinosaur species may have been one of the biggest predators known from Jurassic Europe and how its size fits an ecosystem filled with herbivores such as stegosaurs and sauropods.

The discussion also looks at Torvosaurus gurnii as a large carnivore, including its powerful bite, sharp claws, and possible scavenging behavior. The discovery matters because scientists had thought many dinosaurs living in Jurassic Europe were relatively small, but this dinosaur suggests the picture was more complicated. The episode also covers Megalosauridae, the group Torvosaurus belonged to, and the fun fact that 108 dinosaur species have been discovered in Britain so far.

Dinosaur news, including playing as a dinosaur in the Jurassic World lego game, a 3D dinosaur jugsaw puzzle on Kickstarter, and new animatronic dinosaurs in zoos and museums. Also, dinosaur of the day Torvosaurus Gurneyi, a large Jurassic carnivore in Portugal that has changed the way paleontologists see dinosaurs in Europe. 

Visit http://www.IknowDino.com for more information including a link to dinosaur sites near you.

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