Altispinax facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Altispinax |
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| Holotype (NHMUK R1828) illustrated c. 1850s | |
| Scientific classification | |
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Altispinax
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| Species: |
dunkeri
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Altispinax was a large, meat-eating dinosaur. Its name means "with high spines," which tells us something special about its back. This dinosaur lived during the Early Cretaceous period, about 137 million years ago. It roamed the land near what is now Sussex, England.
Scientists believe Altispinax was a theropod. Theropods were a group of dinosaurs that walked on two legs. They were often predators, meaning they hunted other animals for food. Altispinax was closely related to Becklespinax, another dinosaur found in the same area.
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What Was Altispinax?
Altispinax was a type of dinosaur known for its tall spines. These spines grew from its backbones. They might have supported a hump or a sail-like structure on its back. This feature would have made Altispinax look very unique.
A Meat-Eating Dinosaur
As a theropod, Altispinax was a fierce hunter. It likely used its strong legs and sharp claws to catch prey. Its powerful jaws and teeth would have helped it eat other dinosaurs. Scientists study the teeth and bones of theropods to understand their diet.
Where Did Altispinax Live?
Altispinax lived in what is now England. During the Early Cretaceous period, this area was different. It was a warmer place with lush plants and many other dinosaurs. This environment provided plenty of food for a large predator like Altispinax.
The Early Cretaceous Period
The Early Cretaceous period was a time of great change. New types of plants and animals appeared. Dinosaurs like Altispinax were part of a diverse ecosystem. Studying fossils from this period helps us learn about Earth's past.
How Do We Know About Altispinax?
Our knowledge of Altispinax comes from fossils. Fossils are the preserved remains of ancient life. Scientists, called paleontologists, study these fossils. They piece together clues to understand what dinosaurs looked like and how they lived.
Discovering Its Bones
The first bones of Altispinax were found in England. These included parts of its backbone with those distinctive high spines. These fossils helped scientists identify it as a new type of dinosaur. Each new fossil discovery adds to our understanding.
Images for kids
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Von Meyer's restoration of Megalosaurus with long neural spines
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Foot claw (specimen BMNH 2482) provisionally referred to Altispinax by von Huene in 1926. Natural History Museum, London.
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Altispinax reconstructed after Concavenator, based on Darren Naish's blog post.
See also
In Spanish: Altispinax dunkeri para niños
