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Dinosaurs: Ornithomimus (Bird Mimic)
Ornithomimus was a small, bird-like dinosaur that lived during the Late Cretaceous period, around 98 to 65 million years ago. It belonged to a group of dinosaurs called Ornithomimids, also known as "bird mimics," due to their resemblance to modern-day flightless birds like ostriches. Length: Ornithomimus could grow up to 3.7 meters (12 feet) long. Height: It stood roughly 2.4 meters (8 feet) tall. Weight: It weighed about 900 pounds (167 kg). Ornithomimus had long hind limbs ending in three long clawed toes, making it a fast runner. It had long shin and upper foot bones with a very high ankle joint, similar to modern-day ostriches. Ornithomimus had a small head with large eyes and a toothless beak. Its long, flexible neck and a tapered tail helped in balancing while sprinting. Ornithomimus had three fingers on each hand, which were all approximately the same length. Generative AI Notification: Some elements of this image have been created or enhanced using AI technology. To find out how we create all our dinosaurs, click here. Ornithomimus was likely omnivorous, meaning it ate both plants and animals. Its diet probably included small mammals, lizards, eggs, insects, and possibly some plants and fruits. Fossils of Ornithomimus have been discovered in North America and Asia. These dinosaurs lived in environments that provided ample food and shelter. • Name meaning: Ornithomimus means "bird mimic" due to its bird-like appearance. • Family: It belonged to the Ornithomimid family, which includes other bird-like dinosaurs. • Feathers: Ornithomimus had feathers similar to those of an ostrich, which likely helped regulate its temperature. • Fast runner: This dinosaur was built for speed, capable of sprinting up to 50 mph (80 kph), as fast as an ostrich. • Intelligent: Ornithomimus had a large brain cavity, making it one of the more intelligent dinosaurs. What is Ornithomimus?
How big was Ornithomimus?
Appearance
OrnithomimusWhat did Ornithomimus eat?
Where did Ornithomimus live?
Interesting facts
Pronounced: or-nith-o-mime-us Height: 2.2 m (7.21 ft)
Ornithomimus Facts
Name Means: "Bird Mimic"
Length: 12 feet (3.7 m)
Weight: 370 pounds (167 kg)
Diet: Omnivore (Insects,
Lizards, Eggs, Plants)
Time: Late Cretaceous - 70 million years ago
Habitat: River
Valleys
Fossils Found: North America
Ornithomimus belonged to a group of Dinosaurs called the Ornithomimids (Bird Mimics) named so due to their resemblance to modern day flightless birds such as the Ostrich. They are part of the order Theropoda, which includes other meat-eating dinosaurs. Other members of this group included Gallimimus, Pelecanimimus, and Struthiomimus. Ornithomimus was bipedal, meaning it walked on two legs. Its strong legs and lightweight body made it an excellent sprinter, well-suited for chasing prey and escaping predators. It probably ran with its neck, head, and tail outstretched to balance its weight over its hips. It had long shin and upper foot bones with a very high ankle joint, making it perfectly designed for sprinting. A long tapered tail acted as a counterbalance for its long neck and helped stabilise it through fast turns. Some scientist believe that these dinosaurs could run as fast as an Ostrich, sprinting up to 50 mph (80 kph). Ornithomimus had several unique features: • Toothless beak: Unlike other meat-eating dinosaurs, it had a toothless beak. • Feathers: Ornithomimus had feathers that helped regulate its body temperature. • Fast runner: It could run up to 50 mph (80 kph), making it one of the fastest dinosaurs. • Large brain: Ornithomimus had a large brain cavity, indicating high intelligence compared to other dinosaurs. Q1: What is an Ornithomimus? A1: Ornithomimus was a theropod dinosaur that lived during the Late Cretaceous Period, around 70-66 million years ago. Its name means "bird mimic" because it resembled modern ostriches. Q2: How big was the Ornithomimus? A2: Ornithomimus could grow up to 12 feet long and weigh around 330 pounds. It had a slender body, long legs, and a long neck, making it a fast and agile runner. Q3: What did Ornithomimus eat? A3: Ornithomimus was likely an omnivore, meaning it ate both plants and small animals. Its beak was toothless, which suggests it may have fed on a variety of foods, including fruits, seeds, insects, and small vertebrates. Q4: Where did Ornithomimus live? A4: Ornithomimus lived in what is now North America. Fossils have been found in the United States and Canada, in areas that were once lush and forested. Q5: What makes Ornithomimus different from other dinosaurs? A5: Ornithomimus is known for its bird-like appearance, with a toothless beak, long legs, and a long neck. It also had a coat of feathers, similar to modern birds. Q6: How did Ornithomimus move? A6: Ornithomimus was a fast runner, using its long legs to move quickly across the landscape. Its lightweight body and strong legs made it well-suited for running. Q7: What did Ornithomimus look like? A7: Ornithomimus had a slender body, long legs, and a long neck. It had a toothless beak and was covered in feathers, giving it a bird-like appearance. Q8: Why is Ornithomimus important to scientists? A8: Ornithomimus provides valuable insights into the evolution of theropod dinosaurs and their adaptations. Its fossils help scientists understand dinosaur behavior, anatomy, and the environment of the Late Cretaceous. Q9: Where can I see an Ornithomimus skeleton? A9: You can see Ornithomimus skeletons in several museums, including the Royal Tyrrell Museum in Canada and the American Museum of Natural History in New York. Q10: What is the significance of the name Ornithomimus? A10: The name Ornithomimus means "bird mimic," reflecting its bird-like appearance and characteristics. It was named by paleontologist Othniel Charles Marsh in 1890. Which family of Dinosaurs did Ornithomimus belong to?
How did Ornithomimus move?
What were the unique features of Ornithomimus?
Ornithomimus FAQ
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