85. Probably one of my favorite carcharodontosaurids for #TheSummerOfTheropods, #Acrocanthosaurus (“high-spined lizard”), a large carcharodontosaurid from the Early Cretaceous Period of North America. Skeletal mount from @naturalsciences.

Fossil remains have been found in the U.S. states of Oklahoma, Texas, and Wyoming.

Acrocanthosaurus was one of the largest theropods, reaching 11.5 meters (38 ft) in length, and weighing up to 6.2 tons. Its skull was nearly 1.3 m (4.3 ft) in length. Image by Slate Weasel with silhouette based on @skeletaldrawing. Skull from @naturalsciences.

As the name suggests, it is best known for the high neural spines on its vertebrae, which most likely supported a ridge of muscle over the animal's neck, back, and hips. Artwork by L. D. Austin.

The spines had attachments for powerful muscles like those of modern bison, probably forming a tall, thick ridge down its back. The function of the spines remains unknown, although they may have been involved in communication, fat storage, muscle, or temperature control.

Paleontologists have found that Acrocanthosaurus could not swing it forelimbs back very far, but may have been able to retract toward the body very strongly. Forelimb cast of Acrocanthosaurus by @dinosaurscott.

While retracting the prey with its powerful forelimbs, Acrocanthosaurus would have dispatched its prey with its jaws lined with serrated teeth. Fossil replica by @bhigr_ep.

Scientists reconstructed an endocast of the cranial cavity of Acrocanthosaurus using computed tomography (CT scanning).

While the brain is similar to many theropods, it is most similar to that of allosauroids. Acrocanthosaurus had large and bulbous olfactory bulbs, indicating a good sense of smell.

Large theropod footprints discovered in Texas may have been made by Acrocanthosaurus, although there is no direct association with skeletal remains.

Acrocanthosaurus was the largest theropod in its ecosystem and likely an apex predator preying on sauropods, ornithopods, and ankylosaurs. Art by Paleoguy