An Acrocanthosaurus was large, hunted in packs, and slashed with its teeth. A Tarbosaurus didn’t let go once it had prey in its locking jaw. Both dinos had a chance of winning a dinosaur battle, but Tarbo had a slight upper hand.
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Battle Facts about Acrocanthosaurus vs. Tarbosaurus
| Name | Acrocanthosaurus (Acrocanthosaurus atokensis) | Tarbosaurus (Tarbosaurus bataar) |
| Size | 36-38 feet long, 11-12 feet tall, up to 14,500 pounds | Around 33 feet long, 11-12 feet tall, up to 11,000 pounds |
| Speed | 25 mph | 25 mph |
| Offense | Bite force of 4,500 pounds | Bite force of 8,000-10,000 pounds |
| Defense | Strong forearms | Locking lower jaw, strong and sturdy legs |
| Endurance and Behavior | Hunted in packs | Hunter of large prey and scavenger |
Acrocanthosaurus and Tarbosaurus were some of the largest Theropods that ever roamed the Earth. Acro and Tarbo had completely different fighting styles, but they were both vicious. Both these carnivores were strong, quick, and powerful, but Tarbosaurus would win most of the dinosaur battles.
Were Tarbosaurus and Acrocanthosaurus Related?
Tarbosaurus and Acrocanthosaurus were Theropod dinosaurs, but they were not closely related. These carnivores came from two completely different families. These giant dinos looked very similar at first glance but had some differences.
Acro had longer and more useful forearms. Even though they looked small compared to the rest of their body, Acro’s arms were stronger than a bodybuilder’s! Acro used these strong arms to hold prey against its mouth to prevent escape.
Tarbos’ differences were harder to see without an X-ray. Tarbo had a strong, locking jaw that held prey very tight once bitten. Tarbo’s bite force was about two times stronger than Acro’s!
What Type of Dino was the Acrocanthosaurus?
The Acrocanthosaurus was a Carcharodontosaurid. These large Theropods lived worldwide, including North America, Northern Africa, and South America. Carcharodontosaurids evolved from an Allosaurus in the Early Cretaceous and Late Cretaceous periods.
Later Carcharodontosaurids were some of the largest Theropods, including:
- Carcharodontosaurus
- Giganotosaurus
- Mapusaurus
- Tyrannotitan
What Type of Dino was the Tarbosaurus?
The Tarbosaurus was a Tyrannosaurid. Tyrannosaurids mainly lived in North America and Asia. They were around near the end of the Late Cretaceous, going extinct with the rest of the dinos 66 million years ago.
The Tyrannosaurid family had some famous dino members, including:
- Albertosaurus
- Alioramus
- T-Rex
Who was bigger: Acrocanthosaurus or Tarbosaurus?
The Acrocanthosaurus was longer and heavier than the Tarbosaurus. Acro was one of the largest Theropod dinosaurs. The only known large Theropods bigger than Acro were Spinosaurus, Giganotosaurus, and Tyrannosaurus rex.
Tarbo weighed around 11,000 pounds, but Acro could weigh up to 14,500 pounds. That’s 6.6 metric tons! Acro weighed about as much as a T-Rex.
But Acro wasn’t North America’s biggest dino. That title belongs to a Texas Sauropod named Alamosaurus. This massive dino was over 100 feet long and 36 feet tall. That’s taller and longer than the actual Alamo!
When and Where Did the Acrocanthosaurus Live?
The Acrocanthosaurus lived in North America in Texas, Oklahoma, and Utah. It was one of the most common large Theropods in Texas, roaming the northern part of the state. Acro footprints can be seen in the stone bed of the Paluxy River in Glen Rose, Texas, about an hour from Fort Worth.
Acro lived alongside many other carnivores, and raptors like Utahraptor and Deinonychus lived near Acro. Many of these other dinos gave Acro plenty of space since Acro was known to be a fierce and vicious hunter.
Moreover, the Western Interior Seaway went through Texas, where the marine reptile Mosasaurus lived. Acro was strictly on land, so Mosasaurus and Acro never met face to face. But Texas and surrounding areas have proven to be a rich source of fossils for paleontology.
When and Where Did the Tarbosaurus Live?
The Tarbosaurus lived in the Late Cretaceous in Asia. Tarbo lived from about 100-66 million years ago. So far, scientists haven’t found Tarbo fossils outside of Asia.
Tarbo lived in the same area and period as the Velociraptor and the Therizinosaurus. Despite its scary features, the Therizinosaurus was an herbivore. And while Tarbo hunted giant Sauropods and Tarchia, the much smaller Velociraptor ate small reptiles, lizards, and mammals.
Tarbosaurus vs. Acrocanthosaurus: Who Would Win the Dinosaur Battle?
Tarbosaurus and Acrocanthosaurus could both win the dinosaur battle, depending on who got the first strike. If Acro struck first, it could hold Tarbo with its powerful arms, slashing Tarbo with sharp teeth. Its weight would make it impossible for Tarbo to get away.
Still, the Tarbosaurus would win most of the fights. It had a mighty bite force that was up to 10,000 pounds. That’s enough to puncture metal and break bones! Tarbo was grabbing its enemy’s neck with crushing force.
A battle between Tarbosaurus vs. Acrocanthosaurus would be just a little less than 50/50, with Tarbo winning more battles. Tarbo and Acro were about the same size and speed. If Acro could surprise the Tarbosaurus or attack in a pack, then Acro could beat Tarbo. Otherwise, Tarbo’s massive bite force would win this battle!