What makes a dinosaur strong? You’ll probably think of big teeth and enormous claws first – but while both are good starting points, prehistoric strength came in many forms. Some dinosaurs had jaws suited to crushing, while others relied on protective armour or sheer size. Let’s meet some dinosaurs and explore what made them strong.

T. rex

Tyrannosaurus rex’s strength certainly did lie in its powerful jaw muscles and long, sharp teeth, which allowed it to deliver a bone-crushing bite. In fact, it’s thought that T. rex’s teeth and jaws were the reason it had such tiny arms – they were so useful for attacking prey and defending itself, this apex predator didn’t really need its forelimbs and over time they shrunk.  

Velociraptor

By contrast, Velociraptor’s strength lay in its claws. This turkey-sized meat eater didn’t have powerful jaws like T. rex, and relied instead on the sharp, sickle-shaped claws on its hind feet. It used these to stab, hook, or pin prey to the ground.

Triceratops

For Triceratops, strength lay in both its size and its horns. This muscular dinosaur weighed more than an elephant, making it a tricky animal to attack. What’s more, it could fight back with its horns, which were more than a metre in length and sharp enough to impale flesh. When it charged, the combination of Triceratops’ size and its horns meant it was strong enough to take down predators like T. rex.

Diplodocus

Diplodocus was another dinosaur whose strength came from its size. It’s pillar-like legs and club-like feet were strong enough to hold up its enormous body, and its long tail tapered at the end, meaning it could act as a powerful whip. Computer models show its tail could swing at speeds of up to 62mph, easily breaking the bones of predators such as Allosaurus.  

Tarchia

Smaller plant-eaters relied on things like armour for their strength. Ankylosaurs such as Tarchia carried thick, bony plates within their skin which helped to protect them from the jaws of predators like Tarbosaurus. Tarchia also had a club at the end of its tail which, could cause severe damage to attackers. A forceful swing could break bones or even rupture organs, possibly spelling the end for predators.

Discover dinosaurs near you

Dinosaur World Live offers a chance to get to know a handful of prehistoric creatures a little better. This interactive dinosaur family show uses lifelike puppetry to introduce Tyrannosaurus rex, Triceratops, Microraptor, Segnosaurus and Giraffatitan, providing fun facts about each and helping children to understand how they moved and behaved.

This award-winning dinosaur attraction in the UK is on tour throughout October, so if you’re looking for things to do in London with the family, don’t miss the opportunity to join the adventure. It’s perfect for kids aged three and up, being just 55 minutes long with no interval. Explore dates and venues online and book your tickets today.