Sinornithosaurus facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sinornithosaurus |
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| A fossil of S. millenii at the Hong Kong Science Museum | |
Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Clade: | Dinosauria |
| Clade: | Saurischia |
| Clade: | Theropoda |
| Family: | †Dromaeosauridae |
| Clade: | †Microraptoria |
| Genus: | †Sinornithosaurus Xu, Wang & Wu, 1999 |
| Type species | |
| †Sinornithosaurus millenii Xu, Wang, & Wu, 1999
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| Species | |
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Sinornithosaurus (say "SIGH-nor-nith-oh-SORE-us") was a fascinating feathered dinosaur that lived a long, long time ago. Its name means 'Chinese bird-lizard', which is a great clue about where it was found and what it looked like! This dinosaur was a type of dromaeosaur, a group of quick, meat-eating dinosaurs.
It lived during the Lower Cretaceous period, about 125 million years ago. Scientists found its fossils in the Yixian Formation in what is now China.
One of the most exciting things about Sinornithosaurus is that its fossils showed clear evidence of feathers. This discovery helped scientists understand that many dinosaurs were covered in feathers, not just scales like reptiles.
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Discovering Sinornithosaurus
Scientists found the first Sinornithosaurus fossil in China. This amazing discovery happened in 1999. The fossil was very special because it showed clear signs of feathers.
Before this, many people thought dinosaurs only had scaly skin. The Sinornithosaurus fossil helped change that idea. It showed that some dinosaurs had soft, downy feathers, much like birds today.
What Sinornithosaurus Looked Like
Sinornithosaurus was a small dinosaur, about the size of a turkey. It had long arms and legs, and a long tail. Its body was covered in feathers.
These feathers were not just for flying. They likely helped keep the dinosaur warm. They might have also been used for showing off, like how some birds use their colorful feathers to attract a mate.
A Feathered Hunter
As a dromaeosaur, Sinornithosaurus was a predator. This means it hunted other animals for food. It probably ate small lizards, mammals, and insects.
It had sharp claws on its hands and feet. It also had sharp teeth in its mouth. These features helped it catch and eat its prey.
Where it Lived
Sinornithosaurus lived in an area that is now China. This region was a lush environment during the Lower Cretaceous period. It had forests, lakes, and volcanoes.
Many other dinosaurs and ancient animals lived there too. Scientists have found many amazing fossils in this area, giving us a peek into Earth's past.
Images for kids
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Artist's impression of S. millenii
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Cast of the original fossil
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Another fossil example at the Hong Kong Science Museum
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NGMC 91, nicknamed "Dave", at the Geological Museum of China.
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Skeletal reconstructions of S. millenii and NGMC 91
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The original fossil on display at the Paleozoological Museum of China.
