Neuquenraptor facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Neuquenraptor |
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| A drawing of Neuquenraptor with missing parts based on Buitreraptor | |
| Scientific classification |
Neuquenraptor is a type of dinosaur that lived during the Late Cretaceous period. It was a theropod, which means it walked on two legs and was a meat-eater. This dinosaur belongs to a group called dromaeosaurids, often known as "raptors."
Neuquenraptor was discovered in Argentina, a country in South America. It was one of the very first dromaeosaurids found in the Southern Hemisphere. This discovery was important because it showed that raptor dinosaurs lived in many different parts of the world.
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What Kind of Dinosaur Was It?
Neuquenraptor was a dromaeosaurid. This group of dinosaurs is famous for its sharp, sickle-shaped claw on each foot. These claws were likely used to catch and hold onto prey. Dromaeosaurids were generally fast and agile hunters.
Scientists believe that many dromaeosaurids, including Neuquenraptor, had feathers. While no feathers were found with Neuquenraptor fossils, other closely related dinosaurs show evidence of them. Feathers might have helped them stay warm or even helped with display.
When and Where Did Neuquenraptor Live?
Neuquenraptor lived during the Late Cretaceous period. This was about 90 million years ago. The Late Cretaceous was the last part of the Age of Dinosaurs. Many different kinds of dinosaurs lived during this time.
The fossils of Neuquenraptor were found in the Portezuelo Formation in Neuquén Province, Argentina. This area was likely a lush environment with rivers and forests back then. It was a good place for dinosaurs to live and hunt.
What Did Neuquenraptor Look Like?
Neuquenraptor was a medium-sized dromaeosaurid. It was smaller than the famous Velociraptor but still a fierce predator. It had a long, stiff tail that helped it balance while running and turning quickly.
Like other raptors, it had sharp teeth for tearing meat. Its arms were relatively long, and its hands had strong claws. These features made it well-suited for hunting other animals.
Discovery and Naming
The first fossils of Neuquenraptor were found in 1996. They were discovered by a team of paleontologists. The dinosaur was officially named and described in 2005.
The scientists who named it were Fernando Novas and Diego Pol. The name Neuquenraptor means "robber from Neuquén." Neuquén is the name of the province in Argentina where the fossils were found. The species name, argentinus, refers to Argentina.
Images for kids
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A speculative drawing of Neuquenraptor as it might have looked alive.
See also
In Spanish: Neuquenraptor argentinus para niños
