Top 5 biggest (and smallest) theropod dinosaurs

The iconic T. rex is a member of this group of dinosaurs, with the tiny Microraptor at the other end of the scale.

Dr Stephen Brusatte

Published: June 1, 2021 at 11:00 pm

The theropods were a diverse group of dinosaurs. They walked on two legs, were mostly meat-eaters, and all had three-toed limbs.

Theropods all had hollow bones, something they have in common with their descendants, modern birds.

They include the iconicT. rex, as well asVelociraptor, Spinosaurus andCompsognathus, of Jurassic Park fame.

Top 5 heaviest theropod dinosaurs

Biggest theropods © Daniel Bright — © Daniel Bright

5. Mapusaurus roseae

(4.1t)

4. Tyrannotitan chubutensis

(4.9t)

3. Giganotosaurus carolinii

(6.1t)

2. Tyrannosaurus rex

(7.7t)

1. Spinosaurus aegyptiacus

(8 tonnes)

Top 5 lightest theropod dinosaurs

Smallest theropods © Daniel Bright — © Daniel Bright

5. Microraptor zhaoianus

(400g)

4. Epidexipteryx hui

(390g)

3. Ligabueino andesi

(350g)

2. Ceratonykus oculatus

(300g)

1. Parvicursor remotus

(140 grams)

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Dr Stephen Brusatte

Steve is a professor and palaeontologist at the University of Edinburgh and the author of the book The Rise And Reign Of The Mammals (£20, Picador), a 325-million-year odyssey of mammalian evolution and the people who study mammal fossils.

Top 5 biggest (and smallest) theropod dinosaurs © Daniel Bright

© Getty Images