Microvenator facts for kids
Quick facts for kids MicrovenatorTemporal range: Lower Cretaceous
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| Restoration of Microvenator in brooding position | |
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Microvenator
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| Microvenator celer Ostrom, 1970
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Microvenator (say "My-kroh-ven-AY-tor") means "small hunter." This dinosaur was a speedy, meat-eating creature with long legs. It walked on two feet, like a bird. About 1.2 meters (4 feet) long, it weighed around 3 to 6.4 kilograms (6.5 to 14 pounds). That's about the size of a turkey!
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What was Microvenator?
Microvenator was a type of theropod dinosaur. Theropods were mostly meat-eating dinosaurs that walked on two legs. Microvenator was a very advanced theropod. It had strong legs, which helped it run fast. Its name, "small hunter," tells us it was good at catching prey.
How it Looked and Moved
This dinosaur was built for speed. Its long legs helped it chase down smaller animals. It was a bipedal animal, meaning it walked on two feet. Imagine a large turkey, but much more powerful and with sharp claws! Scientists think it might have been covered in feathers, like many other theropods.
What did Microvenator Eat?
As a meat-eating dinosaur, Microvenator likely hunted small animals. This could include lizards, early mammals, or even other small dinosaurs. Its sharp teeth and claws would have helped it catch and eat its prey.
When and Where did Microvenator Live?
Microvenator lived during the early Cretaceous period. This was about 119 million to 113 million years ago. The Cretaceous period was the last age of the dinosaurs.
Its Home in North America
The fossils of Microvenator have been found in what is now Montana, in the USA. This area was very different millions of years ago. It was likely a lush environment with rivers and forests, perfect for many types of dinosaurs.
Discovery of Microvenator
The first fossils of Microvenator were found in 1970. They were discovered by a famous paleontologist named John Ostrom. He was the one who gave this dinosaur its scientific name, Microvenator celer.
What Fossils Tell Us
The fossils found included parts of its skeleton. These bones helped scientists figure out how big Microvenator was and how it moved. The discovery helped us learn more about the different types of small, fast dinosaurs that lived during the Cretaceous period.
Images for kids
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Restoration.
See also
In Spanish: Microvenator celer para niños
