Segisaurus facts for kids
Quick facts for kids SegisaurusTemporal range: Lower Jurassic
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Reconstruction of Segisaurus halli, skull is based on Coelophysis |
|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
| Class: | |
| Superorder: | |
| Order: | |
| Suborder: | |
| Infraorder: | |
| Family: |
Coelophysidae
|
| Genus: |
Segisaurus
|
| Binomial name | |
| Segisaurus halli |
|
Segisaurus (meaning "Segi canyon lizard") is a genus of small coelophysoid theropod dinosaur, that measured approximately 1 metre (3.3 feet) in length. The only known specimen was discovered in early Jurassic strata in Tsegi Canyon, Arizona, for which it was named. Segisaurus is the only dinosaur to have ever been excavated from the area.
Contents
Description
Segisaurus lived about 183 million years ago during the Jurassic period. Segisaurus was roughly the size of a goose and was a primitive bipedal theropod. Segisaurus was roughly 1 meter (3.3 feet) long, half a meter (1.65 feet) tall and weighed about 4-7 kilograms.
It was bird-like in structure, with a flexible, elongated neck and stout body. Segisaurus was three-toed and had powerful legs that were long compared to its body length. Like its legs, Segisaurus had a long tail and long forearms. Its collar bone was not unlike a bird's, thus strengthening scientists' arguments that dinosaurs were related to avians.
Diet
It was nimble and insectivorous, although it may have scavenged meat also. So it ate mostly insects and possibly small animals.
Images for kids
-
Illustration of the holotype skeleton, shown as it was found
See also
In Spanish: Segisaurus halli para niños
