Compsognathus, a small however interesting dinosaur from the Past due Jurassic length, has captivated dinosaur lovers since its discovery within the mid-Nineteenth century.
Compsognathus is essentially identified for its small dimension; for a few years it was once the smallest-known dinosaur, and is steadily in comparison to a contemporary white meat in dimension (smaller dinosaurs, corresponding to Microraptor and Parvicursor have due to this fact been came upon).
All this is identified about Compsognathus comes from two well-preserved fossils, certainly one of which was once discovered within the Solnhofen limestone of Germany; the opposite within the Portland limestone of France.
Learn on to determine extra information about this diminutive dinosaur…
Compsognathus Info
- Form of Dinosaur: Theropod
- Vitamin: Carnivore
- Continent(s) Discovered: Europe (in particular in areas that are actually Germany and France)
- Duration: Roughly 1 meter (3.3 ft)
- Top: 20-30 cm (8-12 inches)
- Weight: Round 2.5 kilograms (5.5 kilos)
- Duration: Past due Jurassic, roughly 150 million years in the past
What Did Compsognathus Glance Like?
Compsognathus was once a small, nimble theropod dinosaur identified for its narrow construct and reasonably diminutive dimension in comparison to lots of its contemporaries.
This Past due Jurassic dinosaur measured roughly 1 meter (3.3 ft) in duration. It’s steadily described as being “chicken-sized”, however this comparability is also in response to a juvenile specimen. It had a light-weight body, with an estimated weight of round 2.5 kilograms (5.5 kilos).
Compsognathus was once characterised by way of its elongated neck, small head with sharp, serrated tooth, and lengthy, tapering tail, which helped it deal with steadiness whilst working.
The limbs of Compsognathus had been well-suited for a carnivorous way of life, with robust, clawed fingers that might grab prey. Like maximum different theropods, it most likely had 3 digits consistent with hand, even though fossil proof means that the 3rd digit would possibly both had been very small or no longer provide in any respect.
Did Compsognathus Have Feathers?
There is not any proof that Compsognathus itself had feathers, even though some dinosaurs believed to had been associated with Compsognathus did have feathers.
What Does The Title Compsognathus Imply?
The title Compsognathus comes from Greek and way “chic jaw” or “refined jaw.” It’s derived from the Greek phrases “kompsos” (κομψός), that means “chic” or “subtle,” and “gnathos” (γνάθος), that means “jaw.” This title displays the dinosaur’s reasonably refined and narrow jaw construction, which distinguishes it from different theropods.
What Kind Of Dinosaur Was once Compsognathus?
Compsognathus was once a small theropod dinosaur. Theropods are a bunch of bipedal saurischian dinosaurs characterised by way of hole bones and three-toed limbs.
Compsognathus belonged to the circle of relatives Compsognathidae, identified for his or her small dimension and carnivorous vitamin. Different individuals of this circle of relatives come with Sinosauropteryx and Juravenator.
Those dinosaurs had been agile predators, depending on their velocity and dexterity to seek small vertebrates and bugs.
The place Did Compsognathus Are living?
Up to now, two specimens of Compsognathus had been discovered: one in Germany and one in France.
Compsognathus Discovery
The primary specimen of Compsognathus was once came upon in 1859 within the Solnhofen limestone of Bavaria, Germany. This specimen was once bought by way of Dr. Joseph Oberndorfer, a German doctor and paleontologist.
A 2d, higher, specimen was once came upon later in 1971 within the Portland limestone of southeastern France.
When Did Compsognathus Are living?
Compsognathus lived all through the Past due Jurassic length, roughly 150 million years in the past.
What Dinosaurs And Different Animals Did Compsognathus Are living With?
The Solnhofen limestone in Bavaria, Germany, is famend for its exceptionally well-preserved fossils from the Past due Jurassic length. The most efficient-known dinosaur to had been came upon within the formation is Archaeopteryx.
A pivotal species within the learn about of the evolution of birds from theropod dinosaurs, Archaeopteryx had feathers and bird-like traits, but in addition retained many dinosaurian characteristics.
The Solnhofen limestone has yielded a wealth of alternative prehistoric lifestyles bureaucracy, together with pterosaurs like Rhamphorhynchus and Pterodactylus, quite a lot of marine reptiles, and a large number of invertebrates and fish, providing an in depth glimpse into the ecosystem of the Past due Jurassic length.