Harpymimus Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Harpymimus Temporal range: Mid-Late Albian 107–100Ma PreЄ Є O S D C P T J K Pg N

Holotype specimen
Scientific classification
Genus:	Harpymimus
Species:	okladnikovi

Harpymimus (say "HAR-pee-MY-mus") was a type of dinosaur that lived a very long time ago. Its name means "harpy mimic," like a mythical creature called a harpy. This dinosaur was an ornithomimosaur, which means it looked a bit like an ostrich.

Harpymimus lived during the Early Cretaceous period, about 107 to 100 million years ago. Its fossils were found in Mongolia, a country in Asia. Scientists first discovered Harpymimus in 1981, and it was officially named in 1984.

What Was Harpymimus Like?
- Its Unique Teeth
- What Did Harpymimus Eat?
Where Harpymimus Lived
- The Early Cretaceous Period
Discovery and Classification
- Family Tree of Harpymimus
Images for kids
See also

What Was Harpymimus Like?

Harpymimus was a medium-sized dinosaur. It walked on two legs, just like modern birds. Scientists believe it might have had a long neck and a small head. Its body shape was similar to other ornithomimosaurs.

Its Unique Teeth

One special thing about Harpymimus was its teeth. Most ornithomimosaurs didn't have teeth at all. They had beaks, like birds. But Harpymimus had a few small teeth in the front of its lower jaw. This makes it a very interesting dinosaur for scientists to study. These teeth suggest it might have eaten different things than its toothless relatives.

What Did Harpymimus Eat?

Because of its unique teeth, scientists think Harpymimus might have been an omnivore. This means it probably ate both plants and small animals. It could have used its beak to nibble on plants and its few teeth to help catch small insects or lizards.

Where Harpymimus Lived

The fossils of Harpymimus were found in the Gobi Desert region of Mongolia. During the Early Cretaceous period, this area was likely very different from today. It might have had more rivers, lakes, and lush vegetation. This environment would have provided plenty of food for dinosaurs like Harpymimus.

The Early Cretaceous Period

The Early Cretaceous was a time when many new types of dinosaurs appeared. Flowering plants also started to evolve during this period. The world was warmer than it is today, and dinosaurs were the dominant animals on Earth. Harpymimus was just one of many fascinating creatures that lived during this exciting time.

Discovery and Classification

The only known fossil of Harpymimus is a single skeleton. It was found by a joint Soviet-Mongolian expedition. This skeleton is almost complete, which is very helpful for scientists. It allows them to learn a lot about this ancient animal.

Family Tree of Harpymimus

When Harpymimus was first discovered, scientists weren't sure exactly where it fit in the dinosaur family tree. Some thought it belonged in its own special family called Harpymimidae. Others believed it was related to a group called Deinocheiridae. Studying its features, especially its teeth, helps scientists understand how different dinosaur groups are connected.