Alectrosaurus facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Alectrosaurus |
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| Right hind foot of Alectrosaurus olseni. No. 6368, A.M.N.H. | |
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Alectrosaurus
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olseni
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Alectrosaurus (meaning "unmarried lizard") is a type of theropod dinosaur. Theropods were dinosaurs that walked on two legs and mostly ate meat. Alectrosaurus was a relative of famous dinosaurs like Tyrannosaurus, Alioramus, and Tarbosaurus.
This dinosaur lived in what is now Mongolia in Asia. It roamed the Earth during the Late Cretaceous period, about 83 to 74 million years ago. The Alectrosaurus group existed for about 9 million years.
Contents
What Was Alectrosaurus Like?
Alectrosaurus was a medium-sized theropod. Scientists believe it was a fast and agile hunter. It likely used its strong legs to chase down prey.
Size and Appearance
Alectrosaurus was smaller than its famous cousin, Tyrannosaurus rex. It is estimated to have been about 5 to 6 meters (16 to 20 feet) long. This is roughly the length of a small bus. It probably weighed around 450 to 1,000 kilograms (1,000 to 2,200 pounds).
Like other theropods, Alectrosaurus walked on two powerful hind legs. It had short arms with claws, which it might have used to grab prey. Its mouth was filled with sharp teeth, perfect for eating meat.
What Did Alectrosaurus Eat?
As a theropod, Alectrosaurus was a carnivore, meaning it ate meat. It likely hunted smaller dinosaurs and other animals living in its environment. Its sharp teeth and strong jaws would have helped it tear flesh.
Discovery of Alectrosaurus
The first fossils of Alectrosaurus were found in the Gobi Desert in Mongolia. This area is famous for its many dinosaur discoveries.
When and Where It Was Found
The first bones of Alectrosaurus were discovered in 1923. They were found during an expedition by the American Museum of Natural History. The expedition was led by Roy Chapman Andrews, a famous explorer. The specific bones found included parts of its hind legs and feet.
Naming the Dinosaur
The dinosaur was officially named Alectrosaurus olseni in 1933. It was named by a paleontologist named Charles W. Gilmore. The name olseni honors George Olsen, who was part of the expedition that found the fossils.
Where Did Alectrosaurus Live?
Alectrosaurus lived in an area that was likely a mix of deserts and floodplains. This environment would have supported various plants and animals. Many other dinosaurs lived alongside Alectrosaurus in ancient Mongolia.
Other Dinosaurs of Its Time
Other dinosaurs found in the same area and time period include:
- Gallimimus: A fast, ostrich-like dinosaur.
- Oviraptor: A bird-like dinosaur with a beak.
- Protoceratops: A plant-eating dinosaur with a frill.
- Tarbosaurus: A larger tyrannosaurid, similar to T. rex.
These dinosaurs formed a complex ecosystem where Alectrosaurus played the role of a predator.
Images for kids
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Excavation of the right hindlimb of A. olseni specimen AMNH 6554, in 1923. George Olsen on the right
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Holotype right pes of A. olseni, American Museum of Natural History
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Life restoration, based on the holotype specimen
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Life restoration of the head
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Restoration of two Gigantoraptors protecting their nest from two Archaeornithomimus and an Alectrosaurus
See also
In Spanish: Alectrosaurus olseni para niños
