Deinonychus was a predatory dinosaur that lived during the Early Cretaceous Period. Its name, which means “terrible claw”, refers to the large, sickle-shaped claws on each hind foot.
The “Velociraptors” depicted in Jurassic Park were actually modelled on Deinonychus, rather than the true Velociraptor, which was significantly smaller.
Read on to find out more about the “true” hero of Jurassic Park…
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Deinonychus Facts
- Type of Dinosaur: Theropod
- Diet: Carnivore
- Continent(s) Found: North America (specifically in the United States, in states like Montana, Wyoming, and Oklahoma)
- Length: Approximately 3.4 meters (11 feet)
- Height: Approximately 0.9 meters (3 feet) at the hips
- Weight: Approximately 70 kilograms (154 pounds)
- Period: Early Cretaceous Period (about 115 to 108 million years ago)
What Did Deinonychus Look Like?
Deinonychus was a relatively small but formidable theropod dinosaur known for its agile build and fearsome appearance.
It measured approximately 3.4 meters (11 feet) in length, stood about 0.9 meters (3 feet) tall at the hips, and weighed around 70 kilograms (154 pounds).
Deinonychus had a sleek, bird-like body with a long, stiff tail that provided balance. Its most distinctive feature was the large, sickle-shaped claw on each hind foot, which was likely used for hunting and slashing prey.
This Cretaceous predator had a relatively large skull equipped with around 70 sharp teeth, and-like most other theropod dinosaurs–its forelimbs were adorned with three-fingered hands capable of grasping.
It is likely that Deinonychus had feathers, although there is no direct fossil evidence for this. The closely-related dinosaurs Velociraptor and Microraptor are both known to have feathers.
Deinonychus’s appearance suggests it was a swift and deadly predator, relying on speed and agility to catch its prey.
The description of Deinonychus as a fast-moving, agile animal by paleontologist John Ostrom led to a change in the public perception of dinosaurs, which had previously been regarded as slow, lumbering animals.
What Does The Name Deinonychus Mean?
The name "Deinonychus" comes from the Greek words "deinos," meaning "terrible," and "onyx," meaning "claw.", and translates to "terrible claw". The name is a reference to the dinosaur's most distinctive feature: the large, sickle-shaped claw on each of its hind feet.
What Type Of Dinosaur Was Deinonychus?
Deinonychus was a theropod dinosaur. Theropods are a group of bipedal saurischian dinosaurs that are primarily characterized by their hollow bones and three-toed limbs.
The majority of this group (including Deinonychus) are carnivorous, but some omnivorous and herbivorous theropods are known.
You can find out more about the different types of dinosaur on this page: Types Of Dinosaurs
Deinonychus In Jurassic Park
In the movie "Jurassic Park," the dinosaurs referred to as "Velociraptors" are actually modeled on Deinonychus. In real life, Velociraptor was significantly smaller and less robust than those depicted in the film.
Michael Crichton, the author of the novel on which the movie is based, is believed to have used the name Velociraptor for dramatic reasons, and the filmmakers followed suit.
The cinematic "Velociraptors" are depicted as being about 1.8 meters (6 feet) tall and 4.6 meters (15 feet) long, which is fact is substantially bigger than the estimated size of Deinonychus.
Where Did Deinonychus Live?
Deinonychus lived in what is now the United States, with fossils having been found in Montana, Wyoming, and Oklahoma
Who Discovered Deinonychus?
The first Deinonychus fossils were discovered in Montana by Barnum Brown in 1931. Paleontologist John H. Ostrom used these and specimens he had found to describe and name Deinonychus in 1969.
Deinonychus was used to challenge the once-prevailing view of dinosaurs as sluggish, cold-blooded reptiles, instead suggesting that they were more dynamic and possibly warm-blooded creatures.
When Did Deinonychus Live?
Deinonychus lived during the Early Cretaceous Period, approximately 115 to 108 million years ago.
What Dinosaurs And Other Animals Did Deinonychus Live With?
Other dinosaurs Deinonychus may have lived alongside in the Early Cretaceous Period of what is now North America include:
- Tenontosaurus: A large herbivorous dinosaur that was likely one of the primary prey species for Deinonychus. Fossil evidence shows that Tenontosaurus bones often bear the marks of Deinonychus teeth and claws.
- Sauropelta: An armored dinosaur known for its body covered with bony plates and spikes, providing protection against predators like Deinonychus.
- Microvenator: A smaller theropod dinosaur that might have competed with Deinonychus for food or occupied different ecological niches.
- Acrocanthosaurus: A much larger theropod, which was a top predator in the same regions, potentially leading to occasional competition with Deinonychus.
Specimens of Deinonychus and all of the above dinosaurs have been found in rocks of the Cloverly Formation, which lies in the western United States.
In addition to dinosaurs, Deinonychus would have shared its environment with various other animals, including early mammals, lizards, turtles, and crocodilians.
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