異特龍(long)(long),又名(ming)躍龍(long)(long)或異龍(long)(long),是(shi)蜥臀目獸(shou)腳(jiao)亞目肉食龍(long)(long)下(xia)目恐龍(long)(long)的一屬。異特龍(long)(long)是(shi)種(zhong)中型的二足、掠(lve)食性恐龍(long)(long),身(shen)長8.5米,最(zui)(zui)大9.7米,體重(zhong)1.5~3噸最(zui)(zui)重(zhong)3.6噸。它們(men)生(sheng)存于(yu)晚侏(zhu)羅紀,約1億(yi)5500萬年前到1億(yi)3500萬年前。自從在(zai)1877年被奧塞內爾(er)·查利斯·馬什(Othniel Charles Marsh)命名(ming)以來,已(yi)有許(xu)多(duo)的可能種(zhong)被歸類(lei)于(yu)異特龍(long)(long)屬,但(dan)只有少數被認(ren)為是(shi)有效種(zhong)。
異(yi)(yi)特(te)(te)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)屬于(yu)異(yi)(yi)特(te)(te)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)科(ke)(ke)(ke)(ke)(ke),異(yi)(yi)特(te)(te)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)科(ke)(ke)(ke)(ke)(ke)是(shi)一個大(da)型獸(shou)(shou)腳(jiao)亞(ya)目的(de)演化支(zhi)。奧塞內爾(er)·查(cha)利(li)斯·馬(ma)什在(zai)(zai)1878年(nian)建立異(yi)(yi)特(te)(te)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)科(ke)(ke)(ke)(ke)(ke);但(dan)(dan)(dan)在(zai)(zai)70年(nian)代以(yi)(yi)前,異(yi)(yi)特(te)(te)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)科(ke)(ke)(ke)(ke)(ke)很少被(bei)使(shi)用(yong)(yong),取而(er)代之(zhi)的(de)是(shi)斑(ban)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)科(ke)(ke)(ke)(ke)(ke),但(dan)(dan)(dan)斑(ban)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)科(ke)(ke)(ke)(ke)(ke)長期(qi)以(yi)(yi)來被(bei)當(dang)作(zuo)大(da)型獸(shou)(shou)腳(jiao)類(lei)(lei)恐(kong)(kong)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)的(de)"未歸類(lei)(lei)物(wu)種(zhong)集(ji)中(zhong)地"。在(zai)(zai)1976年(nian)麥迪遜(xun)公布(bu)他的(de)專題論文(wen)以(yi)(yi)前,跟異(yi)(yi)特(te)(te)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)相(xiang)同時期(qi)被(bei)命名(ming)的(de)腔軀龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long),常被(bei)當(dang)作(zuo)異(yi)(yi)特(te)(te)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)的(de)同義詞,而(er)且更常被(bei)使(shi)用(yong)(yong)。數(shu)個研究(jiu)人員曾在(zai)(zai)他們的(de)著(zhu)(zhu)作(zuo)中(zhong)使(shi)用(yong)(yong)斑(ban)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)科(ke)(ke)(ke)(ke)(ke)來取代異(yi)(yi)特(te)(te)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)科(ke)(ke)(ke)(ke)(ke),包含:吉爾(er)摩(mo)爾(er)、休尼博(bo)士、羅(luo)默(mo)博(bo)士、羅(luo)德尼·史提爾(er)、以(yi)(yi)及亞(ya)歷克(ke)·沃克(ke)。在(zai)(zai)麥迪遜(xun)公布(bu)他的(de)具影響力專題論文(wen)之(zhi)后,異(yi)(yi)特(te)(te)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)科(ke)(ke)(ke)(ke)(ke)開(kai)始普(pu)遍使(shi)用(yong)(yong),但(dan)(dan)(dan)沒(mei)有被(bei)明確的(de)定義。一些(xie)半科(ke)(ke)(ke)(ke)(ke)學性質(zhi)的(de)著(zhu)(zhu)作(zuo)將異(yi)(yi)特(te)(te)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)科(ke)(ke)(ke)(ke)(ke)使(shi)用(yong)(yong)于(yu)不同的(de)大(da)型獸(shou)(shou)腳(jiao)類(lei)(lei)恐(kong)(kong)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long),通常包含那些(xie)比斑(ban)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)科(ke)(ke)(ke)(ke)(ke)更大(da)型、更著(zhu)(zhu)名(ming)的(de)物(wu)種(zhong)。在(zai)(zai)獸(shou)(shou)腳(jiao)亞(ya)目中(zhong),常被(bei)認為(wei)是(shi)異(yi)(yi)特(te)(te)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)近親的(de)物(wu)種(zhong),包含:印度龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)、皮(pi)(pi)亞(ya)尼茲基龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)、皮(pi)(pi)爾(er)逖龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)、永川龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)、高棘龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)、吉蘭泰龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)、巧(qiao)鱷龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)、史托龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)、以(yi)(yi)及四川龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)。隨(sui)者相(xiang)關恐(kong)(kong)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)的(de)研究(jiu)增加,獸(shou)(shou)腳(jiao)類(lei)(lei)恐(kong)(kong)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)開(kai)始變得多樣性。而(er)親緣分支(zhi)分類(lei)(lei)法研究(jiu)則顯示,上述(shu)原本(ben)被(bei)認為(wei)是(shi)異(yi)(yi)特(te)(te)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)近親的(de)物(wu)種(zhong),都不是(shi)異(yi)(yi)特(te)(te)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)科(ke)(ke)(ke)(ke)(ke)的(de)成(cheng)員,只有少數(shu)屬被(bei)歸類(lei)(lei)于(yu)相(xiang)近的(de)科(ke)(ke)(ke)(ke)(ke),例如(ru):高棘龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)、永川龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)。
異(yi)特(te)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)科(ke)是(shi)肉(rou)食(shi)(shi)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)下目(mu)的(de)(de)(de)三(san)個科(ke)之一(yi),其他兩個分別為(wei)(wei)鯊齒(chi)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)科(ke)與中(zhong)華盜龍(long)(long)(long)(long)科(ke)。在(zai)1988年(nian),葛瑞格利·保羅提出(chu)異(yi)特(te)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)科(ke)演(yan)化為(wei)(wei)暴(bao)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)科(ke),因此(ci)成為(wei)(wei)并(bing)系群;但(dan)這個看法已遭到否定,暴(bao)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)科(ke)已經被(bei)歸類為(wei)(wei)另一(yi)群獸(shou)腳類支系,虛(xu)骨(gu)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)類。異(yi)特(te)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)科(ke)是(shi)肉(rou)食(shi)(shi)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)下目(mu)中(zhong)成員最(zui)少的(de)(de)(de)一(yi)科(ke),在(zai)大多(duo)數(shu)的(de)(de)(de)研究(jiu)中(zhong),除了異(yi)特(te)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)屬(shu)以外,只有(you)食(shi)(shi)蜥(xi)王(wang)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)以及一(yi)個發現(xian)于法國的(de)(de)(de)未(wei)命(ming)名(ming)異(yi)特(te)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)超科(ke)恐(kong)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)被(bei)認為(wei)(wei)是(shi)可能(neng)的(de)(de)(de)有(you)效屬(shu)。Epanterias是(shi)另一(yi)個可能(neng)的(de)(de)(de)有(you)效屬(shu),但(dan)Epanterias與食(shi)(shi)蜥(xi)王(wang)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)有(you)可能(neng)是(shi)異(yi)特(te)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)屬(shu)的(de)(de)(de)大型個體。最(zui)近的(de)(de)(de)研究(jiu)則(ze)保留了食(shi)(shi)蜥(xi)王(wang)龍(long)(long)(long)(long),而將(jiang)Epanterias歸類于異(yi)特(te)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)的(de)(de)(de)一(yi)個種(zhong)。
尚(shang)(shang)不(bu)(bu)清楚異(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)特(te)(te)(te)(te)(te)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)屬究(jiu)竟有(you)(you)(you)(you)(you)(you)多(duo)少(shao)個(ge)(ge)種(zhong)(zhong)類(lei)(lei)。自(zi)從1988年以(yi)來(lai),已有(you)(you)(you)(you)(you)(you)七(qi)個(ge)(ge)種(zhong)(zhong)被(bei)(bei)(bei)視為(wei)(wei)是(shi)可能的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)有(you)(you)(you)(you)(you)(you)效(xiao)(xiao)種(zhong)(zhong)。例如:模(mo)式(shi)種(zhong)(zhong)脆(cui)(cui)弱(ruo)(ruo)異(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)特(te)(te)(te)(te)(te)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(A. fragilis)、合(he)(he)異(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)特(te)(te)(te)(te)(te)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(A. amplexus)、歐(ou)洲異(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)特(te)(te)(te)(te)(te)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(A. europaeus)、尚(shang)(shang)未有(you)(you)(you)(you)(you)(you)正式(shi)敘述的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)詹(zhan)(zhan)氏(shi)(shi)異(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)特(te)(te)(te)(te)(te)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(A. jimmadseni)、坦達(da)格(ge)(ge)魯(lu)異(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)特(te)(te)(te)(te)(te)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(A. tendagurensis),但其中只有(you)(you)(you)(you)(you)(you)少(shao)數種(zhong)(zhong)普遍(bian)被(bei)(bei)(bei)視為(wei)(wei)有(you)(you)(you)(you)(you)(you)效(xiao)(xiao)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)種(zhong)(zhong)。此(ci)外,還(huan)有(you)(you)(you)(you)(you)(you)至少(shao)10個(ge)(ge)可疑(yi)(yi)名稱或未敘述的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)種(zhong)(zhong)曾被(bei)(bei)(bei)歸(gui)類(lei)(lei)于(yu)(yu)(yu)異(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)特(te)(te)(te)(te)(te)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)屬。在(zai)基礎(chu)堅尾(wei)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)類(lei)(lei)獸(shou)腳類(lei)(lei)恐龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)研(yan)究(jiu)中,只有(you)(you)(you)(you)(you)(you)脆(cui)(cui)弱(ruo)(ruo)異(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)特(te)(te)(te)(te)(te)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)、詹(zhan)(zhan)氏(shi)(shi)異(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)特(te)(te)(te)(te)(te)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(被(bei)(bei)(bei)列為(wei)(wei)未命(ming)名種(zhong)(zhong))、以(yi)及(ji)坦達(da)格(ge)(ge)魯(lu)異(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)特(te)(te)(te)(te)(te)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)被(bei)(bei)(bei)承(cheng)認(ren)是(shi)可能的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)有(you)(you)(you)(you)(you)(you)效(xiao)(xiao)種(zhong)(zhong);而合(he)(he)異(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)特(te)(te)(te)(te)(te)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(即為(wei)(wei)Epanterias)、殘暴(bao)異(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)特(te)(te)(te)(te)(te)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)被(bei)(bei)(bei)視為(wei)(wei)是(shi)脆(cui)(cui)弱(ruo)(ruo)異(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)特(te)(te)(te)(te)(te)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)異(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)名,歐(ou)洲異(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)特(te)(te)(te)(te)(te)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)并沒被(bei)(bei)(bei)承(cheng)認(ren),巨異(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)特(te)(te)(te)(te)(te)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)曾被(bei)(bei)(bei)建(jian)立為(wei)(wei)食蜥王(wang)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)。合(he)(he)異(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)特(te)(te)(te)(te)(te)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)、脆(cui)(cui)弱(ruo)(ruo)異(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)特(te)(te)(te)(te)(te)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)、詹(zhan)(zhan)氏(shi)(shi)異(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)特(te)(te)(te)(te)(te)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)、巨異(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)特(te)(te)(te)(te)(te)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)化石(shi)都來(lai)自(zi)于(yu)(yu)(yu)莫里遜組(zu)(zu),莫里遜組(zu)(zu)散(san)布于(yu)(yu)(yu)美(mei)國的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)科(ke)羅(luo)拉(la)多(duo)州(zhou)(zhou)、蒙大(da)(da)拿州(zhou)(zhou)、新墨西哥州(zhou)(zhou)、奧克拉(la)荷馬州(zhou)(zhou)、南(nan)達(da)科(ke)他州(zhou)(zhou)、猶他州(zhou)(zhou)、以(yi)及(ji)懷俄明州(zhou)(zhou),年代(dai)為(wei)(wei)上侏羅(luo)紀的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)啟(qi)莫里階(jie)到提通階(jie)。在(zai)異(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)特(te)(te)(te)(te)(te)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)中,詹(zhan)(zhan)氏(shi)(shi)異(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)特(te)(te)(te)(te)(te)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)化石(shi)標本最大(da)(da)。脆(cui)(cui)弱(ruo)(ruo)異(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)特(te)(te)(te)(te)(te)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)是(shi)該地(di)層(ceng)最常發(fa)(fa)現(xian)、最著名的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)異(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)特(te)(te)(te)(te)(te)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)化石(shi),已發(fa)(fa)現(xian)至少(shao)60個(ge)(ge)個(ge)(ge)體(ti)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)化石(shi)。自(zi)從80年代(dai)以(yi)來(lai),有(you)(you)(you)(you)(you)(you)爭(zheng)論懷疑(yi)(yi)莫里遜組(zu)(zu)是(shi)否存在(zai)者(zhe)另一(yi)(yi)種(zhong)(zhong)異(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)特(te)(te)(te)(te)(te)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long),殘暴(bao)異(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)特(te)(te)(te)(te)(te)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long):研(yan)究(jiu)仍(reng)維持莫里遜組(zu)(zu)只有(you)(you)(you)(you)(you)(you)脆(cui)(cui)弱(ruo)(ruo)異(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)特(te)(te)(te)(te)(te)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)看法(fa),而該地(di)層(ceng)所發(fa)(fa)現(xian)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)不(bu)(bu)同異(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)特(te)(te)(te)(te)(te)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)化石(shi)間的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)差異(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi),被(bei)(bei)(bei)認(ren)為(wei)(wei)是(shi)不(bu)(bu)同個(ge)(ge)體(ti)間的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)變化。歐(ou)洲異(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)特(te)(te)(te)(te)(te)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)化石(shi)發(fa)(fa)現(xian)于(yu)(yu)(yu)葡(pu)萄牙勞爾哈組(zu)(zu)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)波(bo)多(duo)諾伏,體(ti)長只有(you)(you)(you)(you)(you)(you)9米2噸,年代(dai)為(wei)(wei)啟(qi)莫里階(jie),可能與脆(cui)(cui)弱(ruo)(ruo)異(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)特(te)(te)(te)(te)(te)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)是(shi)同一(yi)(yi)種(zhong)(zhong)動物。坦達(da)格(ge)(ge)魯(lu)異(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)特(te)(te)(te)(te)(te)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)被(bei)(bei)(bei)發(fa)(fa)現(xian)于(yu)(yu)(yu)坦尚(shang)(shang)尼亞姆特(te)(te)(te)(te)(te)瓦拉(la)區(qu)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)坦達(da)格(ge)(ge)魯(lu),年代(dai)也為(wei)(wei)啟(qi)莫里階(jie)。大(da)(da)部分(fen)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)研(yan)究(jiu)把(ba)坦達(da)格(ge)(ge)魯(lu)異(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)特(te)(te)(te)(te)(te)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)視為(wei)(wei)異(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)特(te)(te)(te)(te)(te)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)有(you)(you)(you)(you)(you)(you)效(xiao)(xiao)種(zhong)(zhong),但它有(you)(you)(you)(you)(you)(you)可能是(shi)一(yi)(yi)種(zhong)(zhong)基礎(chu)堅尾(wei)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)類(lei)(lei),或僅是(shi)獸(shou)腳亞目的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)一(yi)(yi)個(ge)(ge)疑(yi)(yi)名。雖然歸(gui)類(lei)(lei)仍(reng)不(bu)(bu)確定(ding),坦達(da)格(ge)(ge)魯(lu)異(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)特(te)(te)(te)(te)(te)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)是(shi)種(zhong)(zhong)大(da)(da)型獸(shou)腳類(lei)(lei)恐龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long),身長可能約9公(gong)尺,體(ti)重(zhong)約有(you)(you)(you)(you)(you)(you)2.5公(gong)噸。
異(yi)特(te)(te)(te)龍(long)(long)的(de)(de)(de)可能異(yi)名(ming)有腔軀(qu)龍(long)(long)、Creosaurus、Epanterias、以及(ji)Labrosaurus。而異(yi)特(te)(te)(te)龍(long)(long)大(da)部(bu)分的(de)(de)(de)種是(shi)(shi)(shi)(shi)根據零碎(sui)的(de)(de)(de)化石(shi)來命(ming)(ming)名(ming),許(xu)多被認為是(shi)(shi)(shi)(shi)破碎(sui)異(yi)特(te)(te)(te)龍(long)(long)的(de)(de)(de)異(yi)名(ming),或(huo)者(zhe)是(shi)(shi)(shi)(shi)被錯誤歸(gui)類到(dao)異(yi)特(te)(te)(te)龍(long)(long)屬。其中一(yi)個(ge)例子是(shi)(shi)(shi)(shi)Labrosaurus ferox,是(shi)(shi)(shi)(shi)由馬(ma)什在(zai)1884年(nian)所命(ming)(ming)名(ming),但他是(shi)(shi)(shi)(shi)根據一(yi)個(ge)外形奇怪的(de)(de)(de)部(bu)分下顎,而顎部(bu)前(qian)端的(de)(de)(de)齒(chi)列(lie)有個(ge)明顯(xian)的(de)(de)(de)缺口,顎部(bu)后段(duan)則延展并外翻。后來的(de)(de)(de)研(yan)究人員提出這(zhe)個(ge)下顎骨頭具有病狀,應該(gai)是(shi)(shi)(shi)(shi)該(gai)動物生前(qian)受傷的(de)(de)(de)痕(hen)跡,而后段(duan)變形的(de)(de)(de)部(bu)分原因為石(shi)膏(gao)重建(jian)的(de)(de)(de)后果(guo)。這(zhe)個(ge)化石(shi)現被認為屬于脆弱(ruo)異(yi)特(te)(te)(te)龍(long)(long)。被認為屬于異(yi)特(te)(te)(te)龍(long)(long)的(de)(de)(de)化石(shi)散(san)布于全(quan)世界,包含澳洲、西伯利亞、以及(ji)瑞士,但這(zhe)些化石(shi)被認為其他的(de)(de)(de)恐龍(long)(long)。
異特(te)龍(long)是該時期北(bei)美(mei)洲莫里遜組最(zui)常(chang)見(jian)的大型(xing)掠食(shi)者,并位在食(shi)物鏈(lian)的頂層。它們可(ke)能以其他大型(xing)草食(shi)性恐(kong)龍(long)為食(shi),例如:鳥腳目、蜥(xi)腳下(xia)目恐(kong)龍(long)。異特(te)龍(long)經常(chang)被(bei)認為采(cai)用群體合作方式攻擊(ji)蜥(xi)腳類恐(kong)龍(long),但很少證據顯示異特(te)龍(long)具有共同攻擊(ji)的社會行(xing)為。它們可(ke)能采(cai)取伏擊(ji)方式攻擊(ji)大型(xing)獵物,使用上顎來撞擊(ji)獵物。
異特龍(long)(Allosaurus)又稱(cheng)躍龍(long)或(huo)異龍(long),是蜥臀目獸腳亞(ya)目恐龍(long)的一屬。異特龍(long)是種中(zhong)型的二足(zu)、掠食(shi)性恐龍(long),身長為9米,最大可達(da)9.7米。它(ta)們生存于(yu)晚(wan)侏(zhu)羅(luo)紀,約1億5500萬年~1億3500萬年前。
這是一種大家熟知的恐(kong)龍。它(ta)已經成為定義侏(zhu)羅(luo)紀的食肉者,以及食肉恐(kong)龍--大型獸腳類(lei)恐(kong)龍的典(dian)范。
異(yi)特(te)龍(long)具有(you)(you)(you)(you)大型的(de)(de)(de)頭(tou)顱骨(gu),上(shang)有(you)(you)(you)(you)大型洞孔,可(ke)減輕重量,眼睛(jing)上(shang)方擁有(you)(you)(you)(you)角冠。它(ta)們的(de)(de)(de)頭(tou)顱骨(gu)是由幾個分(fen)開的(de)(de)(de)骨(gu)頭(tou)組成的(de)(de)(de),骨(gu)頭(tou)之間有(you)(you)(you)(you)可(ke)活動(dong)關(guan)節(jie),進食時頜部(bu)可(ke)先下(xia)上(shang)張開,然后(hou)在左(zuo)右撐開吞下(xia)食物;它(ta)們的(de)(de)(de)下(xia)頜也(ye)可(ke)以前(qian)(qian)后(hou)滑動(dong)。嘴部(bu)擁有(you)(you)(you)(you)70顆大型、銳利(li)、彎(wan)曲(qu)的(de)(de)(de)牙齒。相(xiang)較于(yu)大型、強壯的(de)(de)(de)后(hou)肢,它(ta)們的(de)(de)(de)前(qian)(qian)肢小,手部(bu)有(you)(you)(you)(you)三(san)指,指爪大而彎(wan)曲(qu),長(chang)度為(wei)25厘米。尾巴長(chang)而重,可(ke)平衡身體與(yu)頭(tou)部(bu)。異(yi)特(te)龍(long)的(de)(de)(de)骨(gu)架和(he)其它(ta)獸腳亞目恐龍(long)一般,呈現(xian)出類(lei)似鳥類(lei)的(de)(de)(de)輕巧中空(kong)特(te)征(zheng)。
異(yi)(yi)特(te)龍(long)是該時期(qi)北(bei)美(mei)洲莫里(li)遜(xun)組最常見的大型掠食動物,并位在食物鏈的頂(ding)層。它們可能(neng)以其他大型草(cao)食性(xing)恐龍(long)為(wei)食,例(li)如:鳥(niao)腳(jiao)下(xia)目、劍龍(long)科、蜥(xi)腳(jiao)下(xia)目恐龍(long)。異(yi)(yi)特(te)龍(long)常被認為(wei)采用(yong)群體(ti)合作方式攻擊蜥(xi)腳(jiao)類恐龍(long),但很少(shao)有證(zheng)據(ju)顯示異(yi)(yi)特(te)龍(long)具有共同攻擊的社會(hui)行(xing)為(wei)。它們有可能(neng)采取(qu)伏擊方式攻擊大型獵(lie)物,使用(yong)上頜來撞擊獵(lie)物。
第一(yi)個可明確歸(gui)類(lei)于(yu)異(yi)特(te)(te)龍(long)的(de)化石,是在1877年由奧(ao)塞內爾(er)·查利(li)斯·馬什(Othniel Charles Marsh)所發(fa)現(xian)。異(yi)特(te)(te)龍(long)具有復(fu)雜的(de)分類(lei)歷史(shi),過去曾有許多種(zhong)最(zui)初被(bei)歸(gui)類(lei)于(yu)異(yi)特(te)(te)龍(long),腔軀龍(long),直到在克利(li)夫蘭勞埃德采石場發(fa)現(xian)大量的(de)化石后,異(yi)特(te)(te)龍(long)才成為常用的(de)名(ming)稱,并成為最(zui)廣(guang)受研(yan)究的(de)恐龍(long)之一(yi)。
異(yi)特(te)龍(long)的化石主要來自于(yu)北美洲的莫里遜組(zu),另外在葡(pu)萄牙、坦桑尼亞也發現(xian)了可能的化石。異(yi)特(te)龍(long)的化石是美國猶他州(zhou)的州(zhou)化石。由于(yu)異(yi)特(te)龍(long)是最早被(bei)發現(xian)的獸腳亞目(mu)恐龍(long)之一,所(suo)以長(chang)期(qi)以來吸(xi)引了一般大(da)眾的注意(yi),并出(chu)現(xian)在數個電(dian)影與電(dian)視節目(mu)中。
異特龍是種典型的大型獸腳類恐龍,擁有大型頭顱骨、粗壯的頸部、長尾巴、以及縮短的前肢。脆弱異特龍是最著名的種,平均身長為9米,而最大型的異特龍標本(編號AMNH 680)的身長估計為9·7米,體重為3.6噸(dun)。在1976年,詹姆(mu)斯·麥迪遜(James Madsen)的(de)異(yi)特龍專(zhuan)題(ti)論文(wen)中,他提出異(yi)特龍的(de)身長(chang)最大值為13米。如同(tong)其他的(de)恐龍,異(yi)特龍的(de)體(ti)(ti)重估計(ji)值也有爭議,自20世紀(ji)80年代以(yi)來,成年異(yi)特龍的(de)體(ti)(ti)重估計(ji)值,已有1000公斤,以(yi)及1010公斤等(deng)不(bu)同(tong)的(de)數據。
莫里遜組專家約翰(han)·福斯(si)特(te)(John Foster)提出(chu),大型(xing)(xing)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)成年脆弱異(yi)特(te)龍(long)(long)(long)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)體重為1000公(gong)斤,但(dan)根據他(ta)所測量、參考的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)股骨,合理的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)估(gu)計值應約750~800公(gong)斤。有數個巨型(xing)(xing)標本被(bei)歸(gui)類(lei)于(yu)(yu)異(yi)特(te)龍(long)(long)(long)屬,但(dan)可能(neng)事實上(shang)屬于(yu)(yu)其他(ta)恐(kong)龍(long)(long)(long)。異(yi)特(te)龍(long)(long)(long)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)近(jin)親食蜥(xi)王龍(long)(long)(long)(編(bian)號OMNH 1708)身(shen)長可能(neng)有13米。曾(ceng)被(bei)歸(gui)類(lei)于(yu)(yu)異(yi)特(te)龍(long)(long)(long)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)一種,巨異(yi)特(te)龍(long)(long)(long)(A. maximus),最(zui)近(jin)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)研究(jiu)多認(ren)為它(ta)們是(shi)(shi)個別的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)屬。另一個可能(neng)屬于(yu)(yu)異(yi)特(te)龍(long)(long)(long)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)標本(編(bian)號AMNH 5768),曾(ceng)長期被(bei)歸(gui)類(lei)于(yu)(yu)Epanterias,身(shen)長為12.1公(gong)尺。在新墨西(xi)哥州(zhou)莫里遜組的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)彼得森(sen)采石場,發現一個大型(xing)(xing)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)異(yi)特(te)龍(long)(long)(long)科部分骨骼(ge),是(shi)(shi)食蜥(xi)王龍(long)(long)(long)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)第二個標本。
在獸腳亞(ya)目(mu)之中,異特(te)(te)龍的(de)(de)(de)頭顱(lu)骨(gu)、牙(ya)(ya)(ya)齒(chi)(chi)(chi)(chi)與身(shen)體(ti)的(de)(de)(de)比(bi)例適中。葛瑞格(ge)利(li)·保羅(Gregory S. Paul)依據一個(ge)長(chang)度為(wei)(wei)84.5公分的(de)(de)(de)異特(te)(te)龍頭顱(lu)骨(gu),估(gu)計該個(ge)體(ti)的(de)(de)(de)身(shen)長(chang)為(wei)(wei)7.9米(mi)。每塊前上(shang)顎(e)骨(gu)各有(you)5顆牙(ya)(ya)(ya)齒(chi)(chi)(chi)(chi),牙(ya)(ya)(ya)齒(chi)(chi)(chi)(chi)的(de)(de)(de)橫剖面(mian)呈(cheng)D形,而每塊上(shang)顎(e)骨(gu)約有(you)14到17顆牙(ya)(ya)(ya)齒(chi)(chi)(chi)(chi);異特(te)(te)龍的(de)(de)(de)牙(ya)(ya)(ya)齒(chi)(chi)(chi)(chi)數(shu)量與骨(gu)頭大(da)小(xiao)并不(bu)(bu)呈(cheng)正比(bi)。而每塊齒(chi)(chi)(chi)(chi)骨(gu)約有(you)14到17顆牙(ya)(ya)(ya)齒(chi)(chi)(chi)(chi),平均數(shu)量為(wei)(wei)16顆。越往嘴部深處,牙(ya)(ya)(ya)齒(chi)(chi)(chi)(chi)就越短、狹窄、彎曲。異特(te)(te)龍的(de)(de)(de)牙(ya)(ya)(ya)齒(chi)(chi)(chi)(chi)都為(wei)(wei)鋸齒(chi)(chi)(chi)(chi)狀(zhuang)。這些(xie)牙(ya)(ya)(ya)齒(chi)(chi)(chi)(chi)很容易脫落,所(suo)以它們會不(bu)(bu)斷地生長(chang)、替代,并成(cheng)為(wei)(wei)常(chang)發現(xian)的(de)(de)(de)化石。霸(ba)王龍嘴里有(you)60顆牙(ya)(ya)(ya)齒(chi)(chi)(chi)(chi),異特(te)(te)龍牙(ya)(ya)(ya)齒(chi)(chi)(chi)(chi)更多,有(you)70顆,而且每顆牙(ya)(ya)(ya)齒(chi)(chi)(chi)(chi)像匕首(shou)一樣(yang)鋒(feng)利(li),所(suo)有(you)的(de)(de)(de)牙(ya)(ya)(ya)齒(chi)(chi)(chi)(chi)向(xiang)后(hou)彎曲,用于(yu)撕開獵物的(de)(de)(de)肉。
異特龍(long)(long)的(de)(de)(de)眼(yan)睛(jing)上方擁有一(yi)(yi)對角冠(guan),由延伸的(de)(de)(de)淚骨所構成。角冠(guan)的(de)(de)(de)形狀與(yu)大小隨著(zhu)個(ge)體而不同(tong)。鼻骨的(de)(de)(de)上方也(ye)有一(yi)(yi)對低矮的(de)(de)(de)棱脊,并(bing)沿(yan)者鼻骨,連接(jie)到眼(yan)睛(jing)上的(de)(de)(de)角冠(guan)。這(zhe)些(xie)角冠(guan)可(ke)能(neng)覆蓋者角質,并(bing)具有不同(tong)的(de)(de)(de)功能(neng),例如:替(ti)眼(yan)睛(jing)遮(zhe)辟陽(yang)光、視覺(jue)展示物、以(yi)及(ji)物種(zhong)內的(de)(de)(de)打斗行為(問(wen)題是它們非常(chang)脆弱)。頭顱骨后(hou)上方也(ye)有一(yi)(yi)個(ge)棱脊,可(ke)供肌肉附著(zhu),這(zhe)特征(zheng)也(ye)可(ke)見于暴(bao)龍(long)(long)科動物。
淚骨內側(ce)有(you)凹處,可(ke)能(neng)內藏腺(xian)體,例如鹽腺(xian)。上顎(e)骨內側(ce)有(you)凹陷處,發展的比基礎獸腳類恐龍的鼻(bi)竇(dou)還(huan)好,例如角鼻(bi)龍與(yu)馬什(shen)龍;這些凹陷處可(ke)能(neng)與(yu)嗅覺(jue)器官有(you)關,例如犁鼻(bi)器。異特龍腦殼頂部(bu)較(jiao)薄,可(ke)能(neng)為促進(jin)腦部(bu)的體溫(wen)調節。
異(yi)特龍的頭顱骨(gu)是由(you)個別的骨(gu)頭所(suo)組成,而骨(gu)頭之(zhi)間(jian)有可活動關(guan)節。例如下顎的前半部與后(hou)半部可往外彎(wan)曲,增加骨(gu)頭間(jian)的空隙,因此可以吞下較大的食(shi)物。腦殼與額(e)骨(gu)之(zhi)間(jian)可能也(ye)有類似的關(guan)節。
借助下頜靈活的(de)關(guan)節(jie),異特龍的(de)嘴(zui)可以張得(de)很大,便于撕(si)咬。這對(dui)獵(lie)物來說(shuo)是致命的(de)攻擊。
異特龍擁有9節頸椎、14節背椎、5節支撐臀部的薦椎。尾椎的數量不明,可能隨者個體大小而不同;詹姆斯·麥迪遜估計異特龍有接近50節尾椎,而葛瑞格利·保羅認為這個數量過多,提(ti)出(chu)應該不超過(guo)45節(jie)。頸椎與(yu)前段背椎有中(zhong)(zhong)空區域,這(zhe)種空間也(ye)可(ke)見于現代鳥類,被(bei)(bei)認(ren)(ren)為具(ju)有類似鳥類的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)氣囊系統,使(shi)用(yong)于呼吸作用(yong)上(shang)。異特龍(long)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)肋(lei)骨(gu)(gu)(gu)寬廣,形成桶狀胸腔,與(yu)較原(yuan)始的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)獸腳(jiao)類(例如角鼻龍(long))不同。異特龍(long)也(ye)具(ju)有腹(fu)(fu)(fu)肋(lei),但(dan)不常被(bei)(bei)發現,可(ke)能有稍(shao)微的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)骨(gu)(gu)(gu)化(hua)。在一個(ge)已公布(bu)標本中(zhong)(zhong),這(zhe)些(xie)腹(fu)(fu)(fu)肋(lei)被(bei)(bei)發現生前曾(ceng)受過(guo)傷。有一個(ge)叉骨(gu)(gu)(gu)被(bei)(bei)保存下來,但(dan)直到1996年(nian)才(cai)被(bei)(bei)確認(ren)(ren)出(chu)來;在一些(xie)案(an)例中(zhong)(zhong),叉骨(gu)(gu)(gu)與(yu)腹(fu)(fu)(fu)肋(lei)則被(bei)(bei)混(hun)淆。主要的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)臀(tun)部骨(gu)(gu)(gu)頭腸骨(gu)(gu)(gu)巨(ju)大,恥骨(gu)(gu)(gu)有個(ge)明(ming)顯(xian)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)尾端,可(ke)能作為肌肉附著處,以及(ji)身體躺在地(di)面時(shi)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)支(zhi)撐物。在1976年(nian),麥(mai)迪遜(xun)發現克利夫蘭勞埃德恐(kong)龍(long)采(cai)石場所發現的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)異特龍(long)化(hua)石,有接近一半個(ge)體的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)兩個(ge)恥骨(gu)(gu)(gu)上(shang)端,并未(wei)互相固定者。由于這(zhe)個(ge)特征與(yu)體型無關,因(yin)此麥(mai)迪遜(xun)認(ren)(ren)為這(zhe)是(shi)種兩性異形,雌性個(ge)體的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)恥骨(gu)(gu)(gu)上(shang)端沒有互相固定著,可(ke)使(shi)產卵時(shi)更為順利。然而,這(zhe)個(ge)理論并未(wei)引起進一步的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)討論。
與后肢相(xiang)比,異(yi)特(te)(te)龍(long)的(de)(de)前(qian)肢相(xiang)當短,但比暴(bao)龍(long)要長(chang)很多,約(yue)是后肢長(chang)度(du)的(de)(de)35%。每個手(shou)部具有三(san)根(gen)手(shou)指(zhi),以(yi)及大型、大幅彎曲的(de)(de)指(zhi)爪(zhua)。異(yi)特(te)(te)龍(long)的(de)(de)前(qian)肢強壯,與其他的(de)(de)獸(shou)腳類恐(kong)龍(long)相(xiang)比,它們(men)的(de)(de)前(qian)肢適合抓握一定距(ju)離內的(de)(de)獵物,或是將獵物拉近。前(qian)臂稍短于上臂,肱(gong)骨(gu)與尺骨(gu)的(de)(de)比例為(wei)1:1.2。手(shou)腕(wan)具有類似半(ban)新月(yue)形(xing)的(de)(de)腕(wan)骨(gu),手(shou)盜龍(long)類的(de)(de)腕(wan)骨(gu)更為(wei)接近半(ban)新月(yue)形(xing)。異(yi)特(te)(te)龍(long)的(de)(de)三(san)根(gen)手(shou)指(zhi)中,內側第(di)一根(gen)手(shou)指(zhi)是最長(chang)的(de)(de)。指(zhi)爪(zhua)的(de)(de)狀態顯(xian)示手(shou)指(zhi)可能用來鉤住東西(xi)。
通過研究遺骸,我(wo)們了(le)解到許多(duo)恐龍身(shen)體龐大(da),但(dan)這不意味著(zhu)他(ta)們很聰明。馬門溪龍活著(zhu)的時候(hou)約(yue)有(you)四五十噸重,而腦子(zi)重量只有(you)500克左右。又如(ru)劍龍,他(ta)的身(shen)軀有(you)大(da)象(xiang)那(nei)么大(da),而腦子(zi)卻(que)小得如(ru)約(yue)100克的核(he)桃(tao)。異特龍也長(chang)著(zhu)龐大(da)的身(shen)體,但(dan)據推測(ce),他(ta)的大(da)腦可能(neng)很發達,是侏羅紀時期(qi)智商(shang)最高的大(da)型肉(rou)食恐龍,這也給(gei)它們的群居提供了(le)方便。
異(yi)特龍(long)(long)(long)(long)的(de)(de)大量化石(shi)幾(ji)乎涵蓋了所有的(de)(de)年齡層,這使(shi)得科學(xue)家們(men)可以研究異(yi)特龍(long)(long)(long)(long)的(de)(de)生(sheng)長模式與年齡上(shang)限。在(zai)科羅(luo)拉多州發現的(de)(de)一堆壓碎的(de)(de)蛋化石(shi),可能屬于異(yi)特龍(long)(long)(long)(long),這是(shi)目(mu)前(qian)所發現最年幼(you)的(de)(de)異(yi)特龍(long)(long)(long)(long)化石(shi)。根據四肢骨頭的(de)(de)組織(zhi)學(xue)分(fen)析,異(yi)特龍(long)(long)(long)(long)的(de)(de)年齡上(shang)限大約為22到(dao)28歲,相(xiang)當于其他(ta)大型獸(shou)腳類恐龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(例如暴龍(long)(long)(long)(long))。異(yi)特龍(long)(long)(long)(long)的(de)(de)最高生(sheng)長率(lv)大約發生(sheng)在(zai)15歲時,一年可以增加148公斤的(de)(de)體重。
已在一個出土於克利夫蘭勞埃德的(de)異(yi)特龍(long)(long)(long)脛骨(gu),發(fa)現了(le)(le)骨(gu)髓(sui)骨(gu)組(zu)織。除了(le)(le)異(yi)特龍(long)(long)(long)以外,腱龍(long)(long)(long)與暴龍(long)(long)(long)也(ye)發(fa)現了(le)(le)骨(gu)髓(sui)骨(gu)。骨(gu)髓(sui)骨(gu)只存在于產卵(luan)的(de)雌性鳥(niao)類身上,骨(gu)髓(sui)骨(gu)富含鈣,可用來制造蛋殼的(de)。異(yi)特龍(long)(long)(long)的(de)骨(gu)髓(sui)骨(gu)組(zu)織,顯示該(gai)個體是雌性的(de),而且正在繁衍期中。這個雌性異(yi)特龍(long)(long)(long)估(gu)計是在10歲(sui)時死亡,從此顯示異(yi)特龍(long)(long)(long)在完全成(cheng)(cheng)長(chang)前,就已達到性成(cheng)(cheng)熟。
一個(ge)(ge)具有幾乎完整后肢(zhi)的(de)幼年(nian)(nian)(nian)異(yi)(yi)特(te)龍(long)標本,顯(xian)示(shi)(shi)幼年(nian)(nian)(nian)個(ge)(ge)體(ti)(ti)的(de)后肢(zhi)比例較(jiao)(jiao)成年(nian)(nian)(nian)個(ge)(ge)體(ti)(ti)長(chang)(chang),而且后肢(zhi)下半部(bu)(小(xiao)腿(tui)與(yu)腳部(bu))長(chang)(chang)於大腿(tui)部(bu)分。這些(xie)差別顯(xian)示(shi)(shi)年(nian)(nian)(nian)輕異(yi)(yi)特(te)龍(long)的(de)移動速度(du)較(jiao)(jiao)快,并具有不(bu)同于成年(nian)(nian)(nian)個(ge)(ge)體(ti)(ti)的(de)獵食方式,例如追趕小(xiao)型獵物,而成年(nian)(nian)(nian)個(ge)(ge)體(ti)(ti)則改采(cai)伏擊方式捕食大型的(de)獵物。隨(sui)者(zhe)異(yi)(yi)特(te)龍(long)的(de)成長(chang)(chang),它們的(de)大腿(tui)骨頭變(bian)得更厚、更寬(kuan),而橫剖面(mian)變(bian)得較(jiao)(jiao)不(bu)圓形,隨(sui)者(zhe)肌肉附著點的(de)改變(bian),肌肉相對更短,腿(tui)部(bu)的(de)成長(chang)(chang)減緩。這些(xie)改變(bian)顯(xian)示(shi)(shi)幼年(nian)(nian)(nian)異(yi)(yi)特(te)龍(long)的(de)腿(tui)部(bu),承受的(de)應(ying)力較(jiao)(jiao)成年(nian)(nian)(nian)異(yi)(yi)特(te)龍(long)小(xiao),幼年(nian)(nian)(nian)異(yi)(yi)特(te)龍(long)可能以更規律的(de)速度(du)前進。
異特龍被認為是種主動攻擊的大型掠食者。根據蜥腳類恐龍骨頭上的異特龍齒痕,以及與蜥腳類化石一起發現的零散異特龍牙齒來判斷,異特龍可能以蜥腳類恐龍為獵食對象,或是搜尋它們的尸體為食。另外有明確證據顯示異特龍曾經攻擊過劍龍,例如一個異特龍的尾椎上有個部分痊愈的傷口,這個被刺穿傷口的形狀符合劍龍的尾刺;另外,在一個劍龍的頸部骨板上有個U形的傷口,與異特龍的嘴部形狀符合。在1988年,葛瑞格利·保羅(Gregory Paul)提出異特龍不可能以蜥腳類恐龍為食,除非采取群體方式獵食;因為異特龍的頭部大小屬中型、牙齒相對較小,體型也無法與同時代的大型蜥腳類恐龍相比。另一個可能則是異特龍以幼年蜥腳類恐龍為獵食對象,而不獵食完全成長的蜥腳類恐龍。90年代與2000年的研究可能解答了這個問題。羅伯特·巴克(Robert T. Bakker)將異特龍與一些生存于新生代肉食性哺乳類相比,發現類似的適應演(yan)化,例如(ru)(ru):顎(e)(e)(e)部肌(ji)肉的縮小、頸部肌(ji)肉的增(zeng)大(da)、以及將顎(e)(e)(e)部左右(you)撐(cheng)開的能力(li)。雖然異(yi)(yi)特(te)龍的牙齒并非如(ru)(ru)這些哺乳類呈軍刀狀,巴克提出了另(ling)一種異(yi)(yi)特(te)龍的攻擊方式(shi):上(shang)顎(e)(e)(e)的短牙齒會形(xing)成類似(si)鋸(ju)(ju)子的小型(xing)鋸(ju)(ju)齒表面(mian),可切入獵物肉體。這種型(xing)態(tai)的顎(e)(e)(e)部可使異(yi)(yi)特(te)龍采取撕咬方式(shi)攻擊大(da)型(xing)獵物,消(xiao)耗獵物的體力(li)。
埃米莉·雷(lei)菲爾德(Emily J. Rayfield)等(deng)人使用有限(xian)元(yuan)分析,研(yan)究了(le)異(yi)(yi)特(te)龍(long)(long)的(de)頭(tou)(tou)顱骨(gu),也(ye)得到(dao)了(le)類(lei)(lei)似(si)的(de)結果。根(gen)據其中的(de)生物(wu)力(li)學(xue)研(yan)究結果,異(yi)(yi)特(te)龍(long)(long)的(de)頭(tou)(tou)顱骨(gu)非常強壯,咬合(he)力(li)相當(dang)大。異(yi)(yi)特(te)龍(long)(long)的(de)咬合(he)力(li)可以(yi)達到(dao)3-8噸,而且它們(men)的(de)頭(tou)(tou)顱可承受約(yue)55000牛頓來(lai)自(zi)于齒(chi)列(lie)的(de)垂直(zhi)壓強。這個研(yan)究也(ye)提出異(yi)(yi)特(te)龍(long)(long)使用頭(tou)(tou)部來(lai)撞擊(ji)(ji)獵(lie)物(wu),并張開大口(kou)、撕咬獵(lie)物(wu)。這個研(yan)究認(ren)為(wei)異(yi)(yi)特(te)龍(long)(long)的(de)頭(tou)(tou)部結構允許它們(men)采取不(bu)(bu)同的(de)獵(lie)食模式(shi)來(lai)攻擊(ji)(ji)不(bu)(bu)同的(de)獵(lie)物(wu):它們(men)的(de)頭(tou)(tou)部較(jiao)輕型,可攻擊(ji)(ji)較(jiao)小、較(jiao)靈活的(de)鳥腳類(lei)(lei)恐龍(long)(long);但頭(tou)(tou)部有足夠(gou)的(de)強度(du)承受撞擊(ji)(ji),可允取它們(men)采取伏擊(ji)(ji)方式(shi)攻擊(ji)(ji)較(jiao)大型的(de)劍(jian)龍(long)(long)科與(yu)蜥腳類(lei)(lei)恐龍(long)(long)。
其(qi)他(ta)的(de)(de)(de)(de)科(ke)學家則對這(zhe)個(ge)研究表示異議(yi),他(ta)們(men)認(ren)為現(xian)存(cun)生(sheng)(sheng)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)中沒(mei)(mei)有(you)(you)采(cai)取(qu)撞擊(ji)方(fang)式(shi)(shi)(shi)獵(lie)(lie)(lie)(lie)食(shi)(shi)的(de)(de)(de)(de)動物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu),并提出異特(te)(te)(te)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)的(de)(de)(de)(de)頭部有(you)(you)足夠(gou)的(de)(de)(de)(de)強度(du),應可(ke)承(cheng)受(shou)獵(lie)(lie)(lie)(lie)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)掙扎(zha)的(de)(de)(de)(de)力量。雷菲(fei)爾德等(deng)人(ren)對異議(yi)提出回(hui)應,他(ta)們(men)承(cheng)認(ren)現(xian)存(cun)生(sheng)(sheng)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)中沒(mei)(mei)有(you)(you)類似(si)(si)異特(te)(te)(te)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)的(de)(de)(de)(de)動物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu),但異特(te)(te)(te)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)的(de)(de)(de)(de)齒列適合(he)這(zhe)種攻擊(ji)方(fang)式(shi)(shi)(shi),而(er)它們(men)的(de)(de)(de)(de)頭部結構可(ke)保護上顎、減低承(cheng)受(shou)力量。另(ling)一種可(ke)能(neng)則是,獸腳類恐龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(例如異特(te)(te)(te)龍(long)(long)(long)(long))不必(bi)費力將獵(lie)(lie)(lie)(lie)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)殺死,而(er)是從活生(sheng)(sheng)的(de)(de)(de)(de)蜥腳類恐龍(long)(long)(long)(long)身上咬下足夠(gou)的(de)(de)(de)(de)肉塊,肉塊的(de)(de)(de)(de)大小只(zhi)需維(wei)持(chi)獵(lie)(lie)(lie)(lie)食(shi)(shi)者生(sheng)(sheng)存(cun)即可(ke)。這(zhe)種獵(lie)(lie)(lie)(lie)食(shi)(shi)方(fang)式(shi)(shi)(shi)也(ye)使(shi)獵(lie)(lie)(lie)(lie)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)有(you)(you)機會痊(quan)愈(yu),而(er)獵(lie)(lie)(lie)(lie)食(shi)(shi)者也(ye)可(ke)能(neng)以類似(si)(si)的(de)(de)(de)(de)方(fang)式(shi)(shi)(shi)再度(du)獵(lie)(lie)(lie)(lie)食(shi)(shi)。另(ling)外,鳥(niao)腳類恐龍(long)(long)(long)(long)是當地(di)最常見(jian)的(de)(de)(de)(de)獵(lie)(lie)(lie)(lie)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu),因此異特(te)(te)(te)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)可(ke)能(neng)采(cai)偷襲方(fang)式(shi)(shi)(shi)獵(lie)(lie)(lie)(lie)食(shi)(shi)鳥(niao)腳類恐龍(long)(long)(long)(long),使(shi)用(yong)前(qian)(qian)肢抓(zhua)住(zhu)獵(lie)(lie)(lie)(lie)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu),并咬斷(duan)獵(lie)(lie)(lie)(lie)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)喉嚨的(de)(de)(de)(de)氣管,類似(si)(si)今日的(de)(de)(de)(de)大型貓科(ke)動物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)。異特(te)(te)(te)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)的(de)(de)(de)(de)前(qian)(qian)肢強壯(zhuang),能(neng)夠(gou)抓(zhua)緊(jin)獵(lie)(lie)(lie)(lie)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu),所以這(zhe)個(ge)獵(lie)(lie)(lie)(lie)食(shi)(shi)方(fang)式(shi)(shi)(shi)是可(ke)能(neng)成立的(de)(de)(de)(de)。其(qi)他(ta)影響(xiang)進食(shi)(shi)方(fang)式(shi)(shi)(shi)的(de)(de)(de)(de)因素包含(han):眼睛、前(qian)(qian)肢、以及后肢。異特(te)(te)(te)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)的(de)(de)(de)(de)頭部形狀(zhuang)將立體視覺限制(zhi)在20°的(de)(de)(de)(de)范圍內,略小于現(xian)代(dai)鱷魚(yu)。如同鱷魚(yu),這(zhe)個(ge)范圍已足夠(gou)異特(te)(te)(te)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)判斷(duan)獵(lie)(lie)(lie)(lie)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)的(de)(de)(de)(de)距離與攻擊(ji)時機。相較(jiao)于其(qi)他(ta)獸腳類恐龍(long)(long)(long)(long),異特(te)(te)(te)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)的(de)(de)(de)(de)前(qian)(qian)肢適合(he)抓(zhua)住(zhu)一定距離的(de)(de)(de)(de)獵(lie)(lie)(lie)(lie)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu),還(huan)有(you)(you)將獵(lie)(lie)(lie)(lie)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)拉近;而(er)指爪(zhua)的(de)(de)(de)(de)構造顯示它們(men)可(ke)用(yong)來(lai)勾取(qu)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)體。經推算,異特(te)(te)(te)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)的(de)(de)(de)(de)最高奔(ben)跑速度(du)可(ke)達(da)每(mei)小時30到55公里。
長久以來,半科學文獻(xian)與大眾讀物(wu)都(dou)將(jiang)異(yi)特龍(long)描述(shu)成(cheng)以群(qun)體方式獵食,并以蜥腳類恐(kong)龍(long)與其他(ta)(ta)大型恐(kong)龍(long)為(wei)(wei)獵食對象。羅(luo)伯(bo)特·巴(ba)克(ke)(ke)(Robert T.Bakker)從脫落(luo)的(de)牙齒、大型獵物(wu)的(de)被咬過骨頭研判,異(yi)特龍(long)具有親(qin)代養育的(de)社(she)會(hui)行為(wei)(wei)。巴(ba)克(ke)(ke)認為(wei)(wei)成(cheng)年(nian)異(yi)特龍(long)將(jiang)食物(wu)帶到巢穴中,以供幼年(nian)異(yi)特龍(long)食用(yong),并防止其他(ta)(ta)肉食性動物(wu)找到它(ta)們的(de)食物(wu)。
研(yan)究提出(chu)異(yi)特(te)龍(long)(long)與其他(ta)獸腳(jiao)類(lei)(lei)恐龍(long)(long)具有(you)(you)侵略性的(de)(de)(de)(de)物(wu)(wu)種(zhong)(zhong)內行為(wei)(wei),而非合作(zuo)性的(de)(de)(de)(de)行為(wei)(wei),如同其他(ta)的(de)(de)(de)(de)雙(shuang)弓動(dong)物(wu)(wu)。一個(ge)研(yan)究則推(tui)論(lun)獸腳(jiao)類(lei)(lei)恐龍(long)(long)會(hui)合作(zuo)獵食(shi),而非個(ge)別獵食(shi);這種(zhong)(zhong)行為(wei)(wei)在(zai)(zai)脊椎動(dong)物(wu)(wu)中(zhong)較(jiao)少見,而現(xian)存雙(shuang)弓動(dong)物(wu)(wu)(包(bao)括蜥蜴、鱷魚、鳥類(lei)(lei))很少合作(zuo)獵食(shi)。許多現(xian)代的(de)(de)(de)(de)掠食(shi)性雙(shuang)弓動(dong)物(wu)(wu)是領域性,會(hui)將(jiang)侵入領地的(de)(de)(de)(de)同類(lei)(lei)殺(sha)死、并(bing)吞(tun)食(shi)它們(men)的(de)(de)(de)(de)尸體(ti)(ti);另外當(dang)聚(ju)集在(zai)(zai)食(shi)物(wu)(wu)周(zhou)圍時(shi),它們(men)會(hui)將(jiang)企圖搶先的(de)(de)(de)(de)較(jiao)小(xiao)個(ge)體(ti)(ti)殺(sha)死。克利夫蘭勞(lao)埃德(de)采(cai)石(shi)(shi)場(chang)的(de)(de)(de)(de)大量(liang)異(yi)特(te)龍(long)(long)化石(shi)(shi)可能(neng)(neng)源于它們(men)在(zai)(zai)同類(lei)(lei)相(xiang)(xiang)食(shi)時(shi)被淹(yan)死。這也可以解釋異(yi)特(te)龍(long)(long)化石(shi)(shi)中(zhong),幼(you)年與近成年個(ge)體(ti)(ti)所占的(de)(de)(de)(de)比例較(jiao)高;因為(wei)(wei)在(zai)(zai)現(xian)代的(de)(de)(de)(de)鱷魚與科莫多龍(long)(long)中(zhong),幼(you)年與近成年個(ge)體(ti)(ti)較(jiao)少在(zai)(zai)聚(ju)食(shi)地點(dian)中(zhong)被殺(sha)死。這理論(lun)也可解釋巴克所發現(xian)的(de)(de)(de)(de)巢(chao)穴狀況。有(you)(you)些證據顯示異(yi)特(te)龍(long)(long)具有(you)(you)同類(lei)(lei)相(xiang)(xiang)食(shi)的(de)(de)(de)(de)行為(wei)(wei),例如肋骨(gu)碎片上有(you)(you)脫落的(de)(de)(de)(de)同類(lei)(lei)牙齒、一個(ge)肩胛骨(gu)上有(you)(you)可能(neng)(neng)的(de)(de)(de)(de)齒痕、巴克所發現(xian)的(de)(de)(de)(de)巢(chao)穴中(zhong)的(de)(de)(de)(de)異(yi)特(te)龍(long)(long)骨(gu)骸可能(neng)(neng)遭到(dao)同類(lei)(lei)相(xiang)(xiang)食(shi)。
一個針對異(yi)(yi)特(te)龍(long)(long)腦部的(de)電(dian)腦斷層掃描,發現它們(men)的(de)腦部與鱷(e)魚(yu)和鳥類有較多的(de)共同(tong)點。前(qian)庭器官的(de)結構顯示(shi)它們(men)的(de)頭部保持在幾乎(hu)水平的(de)位置(zhi),而非朝上或(huo)朝下。內耳的(de)結構類似鱷(e)魚(yu),所以(yi)異(yi)(yi)特(te)龍(long)(long)可能容(rong)易聽(ting)到低(di)頻的(de)聲音(yin),也可以(yi)聽(ting)到細微的(de)聲音(yin)。異(yi)(yi)特(te)龍(long)(long)的(de)嗅球大(da),可能適合感(gan)覺氣味。
早在(zai)1869年,科羅(luo)拉多州格蘭比郡附近的(de)中央公園d當地居(ju)民將(jiang)(jiang)一個馬蹄化石(shi)交(jiao)給了費迪(di)南德(de)·范(fan)迪(di)威爾·海(hai)(hai)登(Ferdinand Vandiveer Hayden);該(gai)地可能屬于莫里(li)遜(xun)組(zu)。海(hai)(hai)登將(jiang)(jiang)這標(biao)本交(jiao)給約瑟夫·萊迪(di)(Joseph Leidy),萊迪(di)發現這個"馬蹄"化石(shi)其實是半(ban)節尾椎骨。約瑟夫·萊迪(di)起初(chu)暫(zan)時將(jiang)(jiang)它(ta)歸(gui)類為歐洲(zhou)雜肋龍的(de)一個種(Poicilopleurodon valens)。萊迪(di)后來將(jiang)(jiang)它(ta)建立為一個新的(de)屬,腔軀龍(Antrodemus)。
異(yi)特(te)龍的(de)原型標本(ben)(編號YPM 1930)被(bei)發現(xian)于(yu)科(ke)羅拉多州卡農城(cheng)北方的(de)花園(yuan)(yuan)公園(yuan)(yuan),由一(yi)小群破碎骨頭所構成,包含三(san)節脊(ji)椎、一(yi)個肋骨碎片、一(yi)顆牙齒(chi)、一(yi)個趾骨、以及右(you)肱骨主干部分(fen);而右(you)肱骨最常(chang)被(bei)后(hou)來的(de)研究提(ti)及。在(zai)1877年,奧(ao)塞內爾·查利斯(si)·馬(ma)什(Othniel Charles Marsh)根據這些化石,把(ba)這種生(sheng)物定(ding)名(ming)為異(yi)特(te)龍,并把(ba)其(qi)模(mo)式(shi)(shi)種正式(shi)(shi)命名(ming)為脆弱異(yi)特(te)龍(Allosaurus fragilis)。種名(ming)fragilis來自拉丁語(yu),意即(ji)"脆弱的(de)",是(shi)指它(ta)們(men)脊(ji)椎骨的(de)輕(qing)盈特(te)點(dian)。
在18世紀后期(qi)的化石戰爭(zheng)期(qi)間,馬什(shen)與愛德(de)華·德(de)林克·科普(Edward Drinker Cope)之間有過(guo)激烈的競(jing)爭(zheng)。兩(liang)人(ren)曾根據許多零散、相似的化石建立了數個屬,但之后被(bei)證明屬于異特龍(long),使得異特龍(long)的發現與早期(qi)研究非常復雜。兩(liang)人(ren)所建立的名(ming)稱包(bao)含:馬什(shen)命名(ming)的Creosaurus(意(yi)為"肌肉蜥蜴")、Labrosaurus(意(yi)為"貪吃(chi)的蜥蜴")、以及科普命名(ming)的Epanterias(意(yi)為"拱起的")。
在(zai)(zai)競爭的(de)(de)(de)過程中,科(ke)普與馬什并(bing)沒有(you)持(chi)續地進行(xing)他們與他們下屬的(de)(de)(de)挖掘工作。舉例而(er)言,班杰明(ming)(ming)·福蘭(lan)克林·馬奇(Benjamin Franklin Mudge)在(zai)(zai)科(ke)羅拉多(duo)州花園公園發(fa)現(xian)(xian)異(yi)特(te)龍(long)的(de)(de)(de)原型標(biao)本后,馬什便轉向懷俄(e)明(ming)(ming)州進行(xing)新的(de)(de)(de)挖掘工作;而(er)在(zai)(zai)1883年,M.P.Felch重新開始(shi)花園公園的(de)(de)(de)挖掘工作后,卻(que)發(fa)現(xian)(xian)了(le)一(yi)(yi)個(ge)(ge)幾乎完整(zheng)(zheng)的(de)(de)(de)異(yi)特(te)龍(long)化(hua)石,以及數(shu)個(ge)(ge)部(bu)分骸骨。另(ling)外(wai),科(ke)普的(de)(de)(de)一(yi)(yi)個(ge)(ge)挖掘工人H.F.Hubbell,在(zai)(zai)1879年于懷俄(e)明(ming)(ming)州的(de)(de)(de)科(ke)摩崖發(fa)現(xian)(xian)了(le)一(yi)(yi)個(ge)(ge)異(yi)特(te)龍(long)標(biao)本(編號AMNH 5753),但他沒有(you)提(ti)到(dao)化(hua)石的(de)(de)(de)完整(zheng)(zheng)程度,所(suo)(suo)以科(ke)普從未看過這個(ge)(ge)化(hua)石。在(zai)(zai)1903年,科(ke)普死后數(shu)年,這個(ge)(ge)標(biao)本被(bei)發(fa)現(xian)(xian)是(shi)(shi)當(dang)時最(zui)完整(zheng)(zheng)的(de)(de)(de)獸腳類恐龍(long)之一(yi)(yi),并(bing)在(zai)(zai)1908年開始(shi)展(zhan)覽。在(zai)(zai)一(yi)(yi)個(ge)(ge)由查(cha)爾(er)斯·耐特(te)(Charles R.Knight)所(suo)(suo)繪(hui)制的(de)(de)(de)圖畫中,編號AMNH 5753的(de)(de)(de)異(yi)特(te)龍(long)跨越在(zai)(zai)一(yi)(yi)只迷惑(huo)龍(long)身上,吞食著迷惑(huo)龍(long)的(de)(de)(de)尸體。雖然這是(shi)(shi)第(di)一(yi)(yi)次將獸腳類恐龍(long)描(miao)繪(hui)成(cheng)站立姿(zi)態,但當(dang)時并(bing)沒有(you)科(ke)學證(zheng)據可以支持(chi)。
異(yi)(yi)特(te)龍(long)名(ming)(ming)稱(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)的(de)(de)重(zhong)復(fu)使得研究變(bian)的(de)(de)復(fu)雜,并隨者馬(ma)什(shen)與科(ke)普的(de)(de)競爭而惡化。在(zai)當時便有一(yi)些科(ke)學家,例如塞繆(mou)爾(er)(er)·溫德(de)爾(er)(er)·威利(li)斯(si)頓(Samuel Wendell Williston),提出(chu)有太多相關名(ming)(ming)稱(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)被重(zhong)復(fu)建(jian)立。在(zai)1901年,威利(li)斯(si)頓便指出(chu)馬(ma)什(shen)自(zi)己也無法(fa)分(fen)辨(bian)出(chu)異(yi)(yi)特(te)龍(long)與Creosaurus的(de)(de)差異(yi)(yi)。查爾(er)(er)斯(si)·懷特(te)尼·吉爾(er)(er)摩(mo)爾(er)(er)(Charles W.Gilmore)在(zai)1920年嘗試將這些復(fu)雜的(de)(de)名(ming)(ming)稱(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)整理(li)、歸類。吉爾(er)(er)摩(mo)爾(er)(er)認為(wei)萊(lai)迪用(yong)來命名(ming)(ming)腔(qiang)軀(qu)龍(long)的(de)(de)尾(wei)椎,其實跟異(yi)(yi)特(te)龍(long)的(de)(de)尾(wei)椎一(yi)樣(yang);因為(wei)腔(qiang)軀(qu)龍(long)較早命名(ming)(ming),所(suo)以取代異(yi)(yi)特(te)龍(long)。在(zai)接下來的(de)(de)50年,腔(qiang)軀(qu)龍(long)取代異(yi)(yi)特(te)龍(long),成為(wei)正(zheng)式(shi)的(de)(de)名(ming)(ming)稱(cheng)(cheng)(cheng),直(zhi)到(dao)詹姆斯(si)·麥迪遜在(zai)克利(li)夫蘭勞埃德(de)采石(shi)場(chang)發現新的(de)(de)異(yi)(yi)特(te)龍(long)化石(shi),并出(chu)腔(qiang)軀(qu)龍(long)的(de)(de)化石(shi)材料(liao)無法(fa)鑒定(ding),發現地點也不(bu)清(qing)楚,應該采用(yong)異(yi)(yi)特(te)龍(long)這名(ming)(ming)稱(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)。腔(qiang)軀(qu)龍(long)為(wei)非正(zheng)式(shi)的(de)(de)用(yong)法(fa),只用(yong)在(zai)區分(fen)吉爾(er)(er)摩(mo)爾(er)(er)與麥迪遜兩人重(zhong)建(jian)的(de)(de)不(bu)同形態頭(tou)顱骨。
早在(zai)(zai)(zai)1927年(nian)(nian)開始(shi),猶他州艾麥里縣的(de)(de)(de)(de)克(ke)利夫蘭勞(lao)埃(ai)德(de)恐龍(long)(long)采石(shi)(shi)(shi)場(chang)(chang)便有了(le)(le)零散(san)的(de)(de)(de)(de)發現,威廉·斯(si)托克(ke)斯(si)(William J. Stokes)在(zai)(zai)(zai)1945年(nian)(nian)于(yu)(yu)《科(ke)學(xue)》雜志(zhi)描述了(le)(le)這(zhe)個(ge)采石(shi)(shi)(shi)場(chang)(chang),但直到(dao)60年(nian)(nian)代(dai),才(cai)開始(shi)了(le)(le)大(da)型的(de)(de)(de)(de)挖掘計畫。在(zai)(zai)(zai)1960年(nian)(nian)到(dao)1965年(nian)(nian)期間(jian),在(zai)(zai)(zai)接近(jin)40個(ge)機構的(de)(de)(de)(de)合(he)力(li)挖掘之(zhi)下,該(gai)(gai)采石(shi)(shi)(shi)場(chang)(chang)出土(tu)了(le)(le)數千塊骨頭(tou)。克(ke)利夫蘭勞(lao)埃(ai)德(de)采石(shi)(shi)(shi)場(chang)(chang)的(de)(de)(de)(de)著名原因包(bao)含:大(da)部(bu)分骨頭(tou)都(dou)屬于(yu)(yu)脆弱異特(te)(te)龍(long)(long),例如在(zai)(zai)(zai)2006年(nian)(nian),73個(ge)出土(tu)的(de)(de)(de)(de)恐龍(long)(long)個(ge)體中,至(zhi)少有46個(ge)屬于(yu)(yu)脆弱異特(te)(te)龍(long)(long);這(zhe)些化石(shi)(shi)(shi)不呈天然狀(zhuang)態(tai),而且互相混合(he);將近(jin)有10多個(ge)科(ke)學(xue)研(yan)究討論(lun)了(le)(le)該(gai)(gai)地(di)點的(de)(de)(de)(de)化石(shi)(shi)(shi)埋(mai)葬狀(zhuang)況,形成(cheng)不同、互相矛盾的(de)(de)(de)(de)解(jie)釋。對于(yu)(yu)該(gai)(gai)地(di)的(de)(de)(de)(de)成(cheng)因,包(bao)含大(da)群動物深陷在(zai)(zai)(zai)泥(ni)濘之(zhi)中、乾旱導致(zhi)大(da)群動物困在(zai)(zai)(zai)水洼(wa)之(zhi)中。無論(lun)正確的(de)(de)(de)(de)成(cheng)因為何,當地(di)發現的(de)(de)(de)(de)大(da)量異特(te)(te)龍(long)(long)化石(shi)(shi)(shi)使得(de)科(ke)學(xue)家可以(yi)詳細地(di)研(yan)究它(ta)們,使得(de)異特(te)(te)龍(long)(long)成(cheng)為了(le)(le)解(jie)最多的(de)(de)(de)(de)獸腳(jiao)類恐龍(long)(long)之(zhi)一。該(gai)(gai)地(di)所出土(tu)的(de)(de)(de)(de)異特(te)(te)龍(long)(long)化石(shi)(shi)(shi)幾乎包(bao)含各(ge)種(zhong)年(nian)(nian)齡與大(da)小(xiao),身長范圍從1公(gong)尺(chi)到(dao)9公(gong)尺(chi)。
自從麥(mai)迪遜的(de)(de)專題論(lun)文公布(bu)以來(lai),已有許多研究討論(lun)異(yi)(yi)特龍(long)的(de)(de)古生物學以及(ji)古生態學。這些(xie)研究涵蓋了異(yi)(yi)特龍(long)的(de)(de)骨骼差異(yi)(yi)、生長模(mo)式(shi)、頭顱骨重(zhong)(zhong)建(jian)、獵食模(mo)式(shi)、腦(nao)部構造、以及(ji)群居生活(huo)與親(qin)代養(yang)育的(de)(de)可能(neng)性。早(zao)期異(yi)(yi)特龍(long)標本(ben)的(de)(de)重(zhong)(zhong)新(xin)研究、在葡萄牙新(xin)發現的(de)(de)化石、以及(ji)數個非常完整的(de)(de)標本(ben)也有助于(yu)對異(yi)(yi)特龍(long)的(de)(de)了解。
在(zai)1991年發現(xian)(xian)的"大(da)艾(ai)爾(er)"標本(編號MOR 593),是(shi)最著名的異特龍化(hua)石(shi)之(zhi)一。"大(da)艾(ai)爾(er)"是(shi)個相(xiang)當完(wan)(wan)整的天然狀態標本,接近95%完(wan)(wan)整度(du),身長約8米。"大(da)艾(ai)爾(er)"最初是(shi)由(you)卡比·希伯(Kirby Siber)所率領的瑞士團(tuan)隊發現(xian)(xian)于懷俄明州的比格霍恩縣(xian),并(bing)由(you)懷俄明大(da)學地理(li)博物館與洛磯山(shan)博物館共(gong)同(tong)挖(wa)掘出(chu)土。因為該化(hua)石(shi)相(xiang)當完(wan)(wan)整,因此(ci)取(qu)了個昵稱:"大(da)艾(ai)爾(er)"。發現(xian)(xian)"大(da)艾(ai)爾(er)"的瑞士團(tuan)隊后來在(zai)同(tong)一地點(dian)發現(xian)(xian)另一異特龍化(hua)石(shi),并(bing)取(qu)名為"大(da)艾(ai)爾(er)二號",這具化(hua)石(shi)是(shi)到目前為止,保存狀態最好的異特龍化(hua)石(shi)。
"大(da)艾(ai)(ai)(ai)爾(er)"的(de)體型小于脆弱異(yi)特龍(long)的(de)平均大(da)小,可(ke)能是個(ge)(ge)近成(cheng)年體,估計只(zhi)成(cheng)長到了(le)87%,或是另(ling)一(yi)(yi)較小的(de)種。"大(da)艾(ai)(ai)(ai)爾(er)"由布(bu)倫特·布(bu)萊特豪普特(Brent Breithaupt)是在1996年所敘述。其中有19個(ge)(ge)骨(gu)(gu)頭是斷裂的(de),呈現(xian)出感(gan)染(ran)的(de)跡象,這可(ke)能導致"大(da)艾(ai)(ai)(ai)爾(er)"的(de)死亡。這些感(gan)染(ran)的(de)骨(gu)(gu)頭包含五(wu)個(ge)(ge)肋骨(gu)(gu)、五(wu)節脊(ji)椎、四個(ge)(ge)腳(jiao)部骨(gu)(gu)頭;數個(ge)(ge)骨(gu)(gu)頭則(ze)具有骨(gu)(gu)髓炎。右腳(jiao)上(shang)的(de)感(gan)染(ran)與傷口可(ke)能影響了(le)"大(da)艾(ai)(ai)(ai)爾(er)"的(de)行走,從步態的(de)改變研判,右腳(jiao)的(de)傷口可(ke)能感(gan)染(ran)了(le)另(ling)一(yi)(yi)只(zhi)腳(jiao)。
異特龍是(shi)美國(guo)西部莫里遜組(zu)地層中最常見的(de)(de)大型獸腳亞目(mu)化石(shi),它們位在該地食(shi)物(wu)鏈的(de)(de)最上(shang)層。莫里遜組(zu)被認為是(shi)半干旱的(de)(de)環境(jing),具(ju)有明(ming)顯(xian)的(de)(de)雨季(ji)和旱季(ji),地形為平坦的(de)(de)泛濫平原。該地層的(de)(de)植被是(shi)由針葉樹(shu)、樹(shu)蕨、蕨類(lei)所構成的(de)(de)樹(shu)林,以(yi)及由蕨類(lei)所構成的(de)(de)疏林莽(mang)原。
莫里遜組是個(ge)富含(han)化(hua)石(shi)(shi)(shi)的(de)(de)挖(wa)掘地點,該地曾(ceng)發現綠藻、真(zhen)菌、苔蘚、木賊、蕨類、蘇鐵、銀(yin)杏、以及數科(ke)針葉樹等植(zhi)物化(hua)石(shi)(shi)(shi);其他(ta)的(de)(de)動物化(hua)石(shi)(shi)(shi)則包含(han):雙(shuang)殼綱(gang)、蝸牛(niu)、輻鰭魚綱(gang)、青蛙(wa)、蠑(rong)螈、烏龜、喙頭(tou)目、蜥蜴、陸生(sheng)與水生(sheng)的(de)(de)鱷形超目、數種翼龍(long)(long)目、大量的(de)(de)恐龍(long)(long)、以及早期的(de)(de)哺乳類,例(li)如(ru):柱齒(chi)獸(shou)目、多瘤齒(chi)目、對齒(chi)獸(shou)目、三尖齒(chi)獸(shou)目。莫里遜組所(suo)發現的(de)(de)恐龍(long)(long)則包含(han)了獸(shou)腳(jiao)亞目的(de)(de)角鼻龍(long)(long)、嗜鳥龍(long)(long)、蠻龍(long)(long),蜥腳(jiao)下(xia)目的(de)(de)迷惑(huo)龍(long)(long)、腕龍(long)(long)、圓頂龍(long)(long)、梁龍(long)(long),鳥臀目的(de)(de)彎龍(long)(long)、橡樹龍(long)(long)、劍龍(long)(long)。
在猶他州的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)克利夫蘭勞埃(ai)德采石(shi)(shi)場,有一(yi)個(ge)數(shu)量(liang)(liang)眾多的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)化石(shi)(shi)層。這(zhe)個(ge)化石(shi)(shi)層包含超過10,000個(ge)骨(gu)頭(tou),大部分屬于異特龍(long)(long)(long)化石(shi)(shi),但也有其他恐(kong)龍(long)(long)(long)化石(shi)(shi),例如劍龍(long)(long)(long)與角鼻龍(long)(long)(long)。如此(ci)眾多的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)動物化石(shi)(shi)為何集中于同一(yi)地(di)點,仍不清(qing)楚。而且肉食(shi)性恐(kong)龍(long)(long)(long)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)比例大于草食(shi)性恐(kong)龍(long)(long)(long),這(zhe)種(zhong)狀況非(fei)常的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)少見。這(zhe)個(ge)化石(shi)(shi)層被(bei)解釋成群體獵食(shi)所(suo)造成的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de),但很難證實。另一(yi)個(ge)可(ke)能性是克利夫蘭勞埃(ai)德恐(kong)龍(long)(long)(long)采石(shi)(shi)場在過去是個(ge)"掠食(shi)者陷(xian)阱",類似拉布雷亞瀝(li)青(qing)坑,造成大量(liang)(liang)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)掠食(shi)者陷(xian)入無(wu)法掙(zheng)脫的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)沉積層中。葡萄(tao)牙所(suo)發現異特龍(long)(long)(long)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)地(di)層,年代屬于晚侏羅紀,被(bei)認為環(huan)境類似莫里(li)遜組,但受到海(hai)洋(yang)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)影響較多。這(zhe)個(ge)葡萄(tao)牙地(di)層也發現了許多莫里(li)遜組的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)恐(kong)龍(long)(long)(long),主要有異特龍(long)(long)(long)、角鼻龍(long)(long)(long)、蠻龍(long)(long)(long)、迷惑龍(long)(long)(long),或者是相(xiang)近(jin)(jin)物種(zhong),例如腕龍(long)(long)(long)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)近(jin)(jin)親葡萄(tao)牙巨龍(long)(long)(long)、彎龍(long)(long)(long)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)近(jin)(jin)親龍(long)(long)(long)爪龍(long)(long)(long)。
異(yi)(yi)(yi)特龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)與其他侏羅紀(ji)獸腳(jiao)類恐(kong)(kong)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)共(gong)同生存在(zai)莫里遜組與葡萄牙(ya),包含:角鼻(bi)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)、體(ti)(ti)型(xing)較(jiao)(jiao)大的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)蠻(man)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long),食蜥(xi)王龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long),依潘龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)。這(zhe)點很(hen)不(bu)尋常。根(gen)據生理結構與化石位(wei)(wei)置,它(ta)們(men)三者似乎擁有(you)不(bu)同的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)生態位(wei)(wei)。角鼻(bi)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)與蠻(man)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)可(ke)能(neng)活躍于河(he)道(dao)附(fu)近,角鼻(bi)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)身(shen)體(ti)(ti)較(jiao)(jiao)細,叫(jiao)矮,而蠻(man)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)則(ze)十分粗壯,擁有(you)威力巨大的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)爪子和威力無窮的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)放血牙(ya)加碎骨(gu)牙(ya),但(dan)體(ti)(ti)型(xing)至少有(you)10-12米+,可(ke)使它(ta)們(men)躲藏在(zai)森林中突襲迷(mi)惑龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long),腕龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)這(zhe)類大型(xing)蜥(xi)腳(jiao)類,有(you)時也(ye)會去捕獵劍龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)家(jia)族的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)成(cheng)員;異(yi)(yi)(yi)特龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)腿部(bu)較(jiao)(jiao)長、速(su)度(du)較(jiao)(jiao)快,但(dan)它(ta)們(men)在(zai)森林或(huo)矮樹(shu)叢中較(jiao)(jiao)不(bu)靈活,因此(ci)可(ke)能(neng)活躍于干燥(zao)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)泛(fan)濫(lan)平原(yuan)中。對于角鼻(bi)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)研究比蠻(man)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)還深入。角鼻(bi)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)與異(yi)(yi)(yi)特龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)差別在(zai)于,它(ta)們(men)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)頭(tou)顱骨(gu)較(jiao)(jiao)高、較(jiao)(jiao)狹窄,而牙(ya)齒較(jiao)(jiao)大、較(jiao)(jiao)寬廣。在(zai)一個(ge)異(yi)(yi)(yi)特龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)恥骨(gu)末(mo)端發現了另一個(ge)獸腳(jiao)類恐(kong)(kong)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)齒痕,可(ke)能(neng)是(shi)(shi)(shi)由(you)角鼻(bi)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)或(huo)蠻(man)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)所留下(xia)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de),異(yi)(yi)(yi)特龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)可(ke)能(neng)也(ye)是(shi)(shi)(shi)其他獸腳(jiao)類恐(kong)(kong)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)食物來源選擇之一,但(dan)是(shi)(shi)(shi)恥骨(gu)是(shi)(shi)(shi)位(wei)(wei)于腹部(bu)下(xia)緣,夾在(zai)兩腿之間,處于身(shen)體(ti)(ti)最龐大的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)地方之一。顯示(shi)這(zhe)只異(yi)(yi)(yi)特龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)是(shi)(shi)(shi)在(zai)死(si)后,尸(shi)體(ti)(ti)被其他恐(kong)(kong)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)所吞食。
在大(da)(da)眾文化(hua)(hua)中,異特龍(long)與(yu)暴龍(long)皆(jie)是(shi)大(da)(da)型肉食(shi)性(xing)恐(kong)龍(long)的(de)代表。異特龍(long)也(ye)是(shi)博物館常見的(de)恐(kong)龍(long)之一,部分原因為克(ke)利(li)夫(fu)蘭勞(lao)(lao)埃德恐(kong)龍(long)采(cai)石(shi)(shi)場(chang)所(suo)(suo)出土的(de)大(da)(da)量異特龍(long)化(hua)(hua)石(shi)(shi);到了1976年,已經有三大(da)(da)洲、八個(ge)國家的(de)38個(ge)博物館具(ju)有從(cong)克(ke)利(li)夫(fu)蘭勞(lao)(lao)埃德恐(kong)龍(long)采(cai)石(shi)(shi)場(chang)所(suo)(suo)出土的(de)異特龍(long)化(hua)(hua)石(shi)(shi)。異特龍(long)是(shi)猶他州的(de)官方州恐(kong)龍(long)。
自20世紀初期開始,異(yi)特(te)龍(long)便(bian)已(yi)出現(xian)在大眾文化之中。在BBC(迷失(shi)的(de)世界)中就出現(xian)過異(yi)特(te)龍(long)的(de)身影并襲擊了(le)主角和原始人,另外本(ben)片(pian)中有三只(zhi)異(yi)特(te)龍(long)。
異特(te)龍(long)還短(duan)暫(zan)的(de)出(chu)現在(zai)(zai)2009年的(de)電影《失落的(de)大陸》在(zai)(zai)影片中(zhong)與霸王龍(long)展開了(le)對決但之后又(you)和霸王龍(long)一起襲擊了(le)主角(jiao)和他的(de)朋(peng)友(you),但在(zai)(zai)影片的(de)最后被主角(jiao)的(de)杯子炸死。
異(yi)特(te)龍(long)也出現在BBC的(de)電視(shi)節目(mu)《與恐龍(long)共舞》(Walking with Dinosaurs)的(de)第(di)二集與第(di)五集。而(er)《與恐龍(long)共舞》的(de)特(te)別(bie)節目(mu)《異(yi)特(te)龍(long)之謎》(Ballad of Big Al),則是以著名的(de)"大艾爾"作為主角,敘述了它的(de)一生(sheng)。
異特龍(long)也出現(xian)在《恐龍(long)x檔案》中(zhong)。
另(ling)有紀(ji)錄(lu)片《恐龍(long)革命》第(di)一季(ji)的第(di)二(er)集《異特龍(long)的故事》講(jiang)述(shu)一只下顎被(bei)打斷(duan)的異特龍(long)的生活。
在CAPCOM于(yu)2000年推出的電(dian)子游(you)戲《恐(kong)龍危(wei)機2》中,異特龍也有(you)多次登場。
異(yi)特(te)龍(long)(long)也出現(xian)在IOS的游戲(侏羅紀(ji)世界)中被錯誤的描述成(cheng)有2個(ge)爪子(zi)類似霸王龍(long)(long)實際上真實的異(yi)特(te)龍(long)(long)是有三個(ge)爪子(zi),不要被游戲欺(qi)騙了。