A New Hypothesis on Allosaurus Feeding Strategy: Latch-and-Hold vs. Hatchet Jaw

[Anders Johnson]

Hi everyone,

I recently completed a written piece exploring an alternative to the traditional “hatchet jaw” and “flesh grazing” hypotheses regarding Allosaurus feeding behavior.

While the classic interpretation suggests a downward striking method, I propose that the skull’s structure may support a different behavior entirely—a latch-and-hold strategy, where Allosaurus clamped onto prey and withstood resistance, much like Komodo dragons or modern big cats.

The theory is grounded in:

• The shock-absorbing design of the skull

• The bowed jaw and flexible cervical vertebrae

• Fossil evidence of healed injuries, possibly indicating close-quarters struggles

• Comparisons with modern analogs and biomechanical plausibility

I’ve attached a short summary below and would be happy to send the full illustrated article with references to anyone interested.

Thanks in advance for your time—and for all the insightful discussion that happens here.

Best,

Anders Johnson

Science Writer and paleo-enthusiast.

[Thomas Richard Holtz]

Since you didn't include your references in this abstract, make sure you consult the following (which have bearing on whether or not Allosaurus could actually maintain sustained biting contact with large-bodied struggling prey):

https://www.app.pan.pl/archive/published/app51/app51-435.pdf

https://anatomypubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/ar.20563 

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Thomas R. Holtz, Jr.
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[Dawid Mazurek]

You confuse a theory with a hypothesis.

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[Dawid Mazurek]

This was supposed to be a reply to Anders Johnson. Sorry...

[Anders Johnson]

Forgive my wording 

Anders

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[Richard W. Travsky]

Strangulation, as it were? Going only by what's been posted in the abstract, what prey size is being assumed? Or perhaps rather, maximum size? Smaller sizes could have been handled by shaking (such as my Aussie does with his toys), larger sizes would have to be held on to until it died…

[Eric Snively]

Cool idea. Allosaurus could certainly resist motions of prey trying to pull away, tucking its head downwards with the same specialized muscle attachments Bakker first noticed. Lots of functions are mutually compatible. Always look for falsifying and contradictory evidence, of course.

https://palaeo-electronica.org/content/2013/389-allosaurus-feeding

Allosarus fragilis and Allosaurus jimmadseni (and probably Allosaurus anax) varied from each other and even individually, and tooth wear suggests different biting strategies.

Eric

[Ralph Molnar]

Dear Mr Johnson,

Yes, I would be interested to read your hypothesis on the feeding strategy of Allosaurus.

Best wishes, Ralph E. Molnar

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