Creation Research Database

Description and Analysis of an Allosaurus fragilis (Dinosauria: Theropoda) Skull

Rush, Nicholas and Storm, C. L. (2024) Description and Analysis of an Allosaurus fragilis (Dinosauria: Theropoda) Skull. Answers Research Journal, 17: 38. pp. 677-707. ISSN 1937-9056

Abstract

CMP 279 is an Allosaurus specimen donated to the Creation Museum in Petersburg, Kentucky, United States, in 2013 and displayed in 2014. It includes a complete skull, hyoids, cervical vertebrae, sacral vertebrae, caudal vertebrae, chevrons, the dorsal portions of both left and right ilia, and the ventral part of the right femur. Notably, the most impressive feature of CMP 279 is its skull, which will be discussed in this description and attributed to the species Allosaurus fragilis. The basis for this classification includes: 1) The ventrally deflecting jugal. 2) The presence of two large pneumatic lacrimal openings that open laterally. 3) Tooth count which ranges between 66 and 78. 4) Slight rugosity on the dorsolateral margin of the nasal. Comparative analyses were conducted with other Allosaurus specimens to ensure the accuracy of the species designation. Our description of CMP 279's cranial anatomy primarily relies on CT scans due to complications with the specimen's museum mounting. Additionally, we made in-person observations of accessible bones to supplement our findings from the CT scans. The use of CT scans allowed for a more precise identification of sutures, distinct from natural fractures and restoration work. This study also marks the first documented occurrence of neurovascular canals in Allosaurus fragilis. Furthermore, we identified a possible case of osteomyelitis on the anterior end of the right dentary. Several other potential pathologies were noted, including one on the left surangular, another on the opposing right surangular, and on the right lacrimal.

Item Type: Article
Subjects: Q Science (General) > QE Geology > QE760 Paleontology > QE760.2 Dinosaurs
Q Science (General) > QL Zoology > QL799 Morphology
Depositing User: Admin
Date Deposited: 04 Sep 2026 23:42
Last Modified: 04 Sep 2026 23:42
URI: https://crsq.creationresearch.org/id/eprint/1586

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