Whilst Tyrannosaurus and Velociraptor have taken hold of the public consciousness and filled a thousand childhood nightmares, it is Allosaurus which probably best fits the description of the perfect Mesozoic carnivore. With powerful hind legs, jaws filled with razor sharp teeth and forelegs with sharp, grappling-hook claws, this killer was able to chase at speed and hold on to its victim until death. There is the view, however, that these larger theropods spend most of their time not hunting, but scavenging, preferring to choose an easy meal rather than expend energy in a chase. Allosaurus would just as likely steal the kills of smaller carnivores like Ornitholestes as track down fresh prey.
