Ultimasaurus is a hybrid dinosaur that was created by Jurassic World scientists by combining the DNA of multiple dinosaur species. As a genetically engineered hybrid, Ultimasaurus displays characteristics of several different dinosaurs.
Ultimasaurus was first introduced in the Jurassic World franchise in the 2018 film Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom. In the film, Ultimasaurus is briefly shown confined within a cage in one of Jurassic World’s labs before being freed when the mercenary team led by Ken Wheatley arrives to collect dinosaur DNA samples.
As a unique hybrid dinosaur, Ultimasaurus has sparked much interest and speculation among fans regarding exactly which species were used to create it. While its full genetic makeup has not been explicitly revealed, analysis of its observed physical traits and behaviors provides clues as to which dinosaurs’ DNA it contains.
Appearance
In terms of overall appearance, Ultimasaurus most closely resembles a Tyrannosaurus rex. It possesses the large, muscular body shape of a T. rex, with long hind limbs, short forelimbs, and a long, thick tail.
Key T. rex features seen on Ultimasaurus include:
- Box-shaped snout
- Rows of large conical teeth
- Small forearms with two-fingered hands
- Powerful jaws and neck muscles
However, Ultimasaurus can be distinguished from a pure T. rex by its unusual head ornamentation. It has several large spikes protruding from the back of its skull, reminiscent of those seen on Dilophosaurus.
Size
In terms of size, Ultimasaurus is larger than a typical T. rex. While T. rex could reach lengths over 40 feet long, Ultimasaurus is shown to be closer to 50 feet long in the film.
The increased size suggests the inclusion of DNA from one or more extra-large theropod dinosaurs, potentially Giganotosaurus, Spinosaurus, or Carcharodontosaurus.
Behaviors
The way Ultimasaurus moves and acts also provides clues to its hybrid nature. Its head movements and dynamic poses appear more bird-like than reptilian at times.
Rapid head turns and an attentive, alert nature reveal the influence of more intelligent predatory dinosaurs like Velociraptor or Troodon. This blending of instincts and behaviors is a hallmark of the interspecies hybrids created by Jurassic World’s scientists.
Potential Component Species
While Ultimasaurus’ full genetic origins remain unknown, it likely contains DNA from some of the following dinosaur species:
| Species | Contribution |
|---|---|
| Tyrannosaurus rex | Base genome, large size, body shape |
| Dilophosaurus | Distinctive head crest |
| Velociraptor | Quick movements, intelligence |
| Spinosaurus | Giant size, powerful jaws |
Creation Process
Ultimasaurus was created in Jurassic World’s advanced genetic engineering lab using cutting-edge bioengineering techniques.
The process likely involved:
- Isolating DNA fragments from source dinosaurs like T. rex, Velociraptor, and others
- Combining selected genes from different species into artificial genome constructs
- Inserting the hybrid genomes into emtpy egg cells
- Stimulating egg development and hatching in a test tube environment
- Raising the hybrid dinosaur embryos in nurseries
- Studying the expressed traits as juveniles matured
This advanced cloning process allows specific traits to be cherry-picked from various dinosaurs to create novel creature like Ultimasaurus. The hybrids are shaped by both their unique DNA as well as the environment they are raised in, accounting for the complex personalities seen in Jurassic World’s hybrids.
Role in Jurassic World
Within the films, Ultimasaurus serves as part of Jurassic World’s efforts to continually create bigger, louder, and more terrifying new dinosaur attractions. As a hybrid of giant theropods, Ultimasaurus represents this push towards sensationalism run amok.
Its fearsome appearance and unnaturally enhanced size reflects the park’s disregard for responsible practices in favor of profits and spectacle. The unintended consequences of this hubris then directly sets up the events depicted in Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom and beyond.
Analysis
Ultimasaurus stands as an awe-inspiring yet cautionary example of genetic power unleashed without restraint. Combining the genes of multiple apex predators to create a super-sized beast led Jurassic World down an irresponsible path. While spectacular, Ultimasaurus shows how commercial interests can often override ethical concerns when genetic engineering is involved.
As a one-of-a-kind hybrid, Ultimasaurus provides a window into an imagined alternate prehistory where dinosaurs evolved radically unique adaptations like its distinctive cranial spikes. While fictional, Ultimasaurus helps fuel the sense of wonder and infinite possibility surrounding dinosaurs and genetic science today.
Conclusion
In summary, while its full genome remains unconfirmed, Ultimasaurus represents a unique hybrid dinosaur blending the key traits of several giant carnivorous theropods, including Tyrannosaurus, Dilophosaurus, Velociraptor, and potentially Spinosaurus. Its creation for Jurassic World served commercial goals but carried unintended consequences, highlighting the fine line walked when tapping into genetic power to mold living creatures. As a distinctive mix of numerous impressive predators, Ultimasaurus stands as a truly one-of-a-kind dinosaur displaying the best and worst tendencies of ambitious bioengineering.