The largest dinosaurs in Jurassic World Dominion
Instead of looking at the singular largest dinosaur in the film, we are instead going to be taking a deep dive into the largest in its respective niche. We’ve included aquatic, herbivorous, carnivorous, and even flying dinosaurs that are so large that it’s hard to envision them properly. Let’s take a look at these kings of their respective ecological niches. Remember, these animals actually existed in their day!
Mosasaurus – The largest aquatic dinosaur
In the films: The Mosasaurus is one of the most famous dinosaurs in the franchise and was first seen in the original film of the new franchise, Jurassic World. We first see Mosasaurus being kept in an aquatic tank where it is fed each day, to the amusement of a crowd, of course. Leaping into the air and snapping up an adult great white shark with ease is enough to show how big this massive creature is. In Jurassic World Dominion, we see Mosasaurus again when a group of fishermen is hauling up their catch. Suddenly, the Mosasaurus leaps from the ocean and flips the entire fishing vessel. Description: Mosasaurus was a member of the mosasaurs, a group of aquatic reptiles. They were the kings of the ocean and were able to hunt almost anything that entered their domain. The ancient predators lived in the modern-day Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding areas, hunting fish, sharks, whales, birds, and other dinosaurs. Mosasaurus are estimated to have been 46 feet long and weighed over 13 tons, making them among the largest animals to have ever lived. Time: 82.7-66 million years ago.
Dreadnoughtus – The largest overall dinosaur
In the films: Dreadnoughtus is one of the largest dinosaurs to have ever lived and was first introduced in the most recent film. The first time we see Dreadnoughtus is during an aerial view of the Biosyn Sanctuary located in the Dolomites Mountains in Italy. We also see Dreadnoughtus running during the fire scenes near the end of the film. Description: Dreadnoughtus was an herbivore that lived on land. It was a sauropod, a group of dinosaurs characterized by long necks, stubby legs, long tails, and small heads. There is some debate as to the largest dinosaur to have ever lived, but Dreadnoughtus is almost always on the list. Additionally, there is nearly 70% fossil completion for the dino, whereas any other competitor has a much lower fossil completion percentage. The more complete a fossil, the closer a potential guess on its size can be. Dreadnoughtus was one of the largest terrestrial animals ever known, measuring around 85 feet long, standing two stories tall, and weighing over 50 tons. Time: 76-70 million years ago.
Giganotosaurus – The largest terrestrial predator
In the films: Giganotosaurus was first seen in Dominion but was mentioned by name in Jurassic World as one of the genetic contributors to Indominus Rex. The first time we see Giganotosaurus, however, is during a flashback scene when a small Moros scavenges the meat stuck to its teeth. Giganotosaurus is also the primary antagonist dinosaur in Dominion. It chases the group as they try to make it into a research station in the Biosyn Valley and is again seen during a final fight scene against T-Rex. Description: Giganotosaurus was a carnivore that was first discovered in Patagonia. It is easily one of the largest terrestrial carnivores to have ever existed, above the T-Rex and the Allosaurus. Regardless, it was the apex predator of its southern ecosystem, with its name meaning “giant southern lizard.” Giganotosaurus was between 39 and 43 feet long and weighed 4.2-13.8 tons. Time: 99.6-99.7 million years ago.
Quetzalcoatlus – The largest flying dinosaur
In the films: Quetzalcoatlus is a flying dinosaur that is first seen in Dominion. We first encounter Quetzalcoatlus while Chris Pratt and Dewanda Wise are heading into the Biosyn Valley. When the aerial deterrent system is turned off, a giant shadow crosses the airplane, soon to be recognized as a Quetzalcoatlus. Without much difficulty, the dinosaur takes down the plane, setting the scene for the next hour of the film. Additionally, Quetzalcoatlus is later seen sitting in a nest on the One World Trade Center in New York City. Description: Quetzalcoatlus was one of the largest known flying animals to have ever lived. It primarily lived in North America and belonged to the pterosaur group, along with other large flying reptiles. Quetzalcoatlus gets its name from the Aztec god, Quetzalcoatl, known for his feathered, serpentine appearance. There is some debate as to size, but most research shows that it had a wingspan that reached well over 50 feet, was 9.8 feet tall, and weighed between 440 and 550 lbs. Time: 68-66 million years ago. You can check out the absolute largest dinosaur in Jurassic World Dominion.
