Tetanuran facts for kids
Quick facts for kids TetanuransTemporal range: Jurassic
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Tetanurae |
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The Tetanurans are a special group of theropod dinosaurs. This group includes most theropods, even modern birds! Tetanurans first appeared a very long time ago, during the Jurassic period. They were a big and important group of meat-eating dinosaurs.
The name "Tetanurae" means "stiff tails." This is because these dinosaurs had strong, stiff tails. They held their tails up off the ground. This helped them balance when they walked or ran, like a counterweight.
Scientists define Tetanurans as all theropods that are more closely related to today's birds than to a dinosaur called Ceratosaurus. The only living Tetanurans we have today are birds!
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What Are Tetanurans?
Tetanurans are a major group of theropod dinosaurs. Theropods were mostly meat-eating dinosaurs. They walked on two legs. This group is very important because it includes the ancestors of modern birds.
Key Features of Tetanurans
Tetanurans had some special features that set them apart. Their most famous feature was their stiff tail. This tail was held straight out behind them. It helped them stay balanced while moving quickly.
Another key feature was their hands. They often had three fingers on each hand. These fingers had sharp claws. This was useful for catching prey.
Types of Tetanurans
The Tetanurae group is divided into two main parts:
- Carnosauria: These were often large, powerful predators. They had big heads and strong jaws. Famous Carnosaurs include Allosaurus and Acrocanthosaurus.
- Coelurosauria: This group includes a wide range of theropods. Some were small and fast, like Compsognathus. Others were huge, like Tyrannosaurus rex. Birds also belong to this group.
Carnosaurs: Giant Hunters
Carnosaurs were some of the biggest land predators. They lived during the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. They had strong legs for running and powerful jaws for biting. Their size made them top predators in their ecosystems.
Famous Carnosaurs
- Allosaurus: A well-known predator from the Late Jurassic. It was about 8.5 meters (28 feet) long. It had sharp, serrated teeth.
- Acrocanthosaurus: This dinosaur lived in North America during the Early Cretaceous. It was known for the tall spines on its back, which might have supported a ridge or sail.
- Spinosaurus: One of the largest known meat-eating dinosaurs. It lived in North Africa. It had a huge sail on its back and a long, crocodile-like snout. It likely hunted fish.
Coelurosaurs: Diverse and Bird-like
Coelurosaurs are a very diverse group. They range from small, feathered dinosaurs to the mighty T. rex. This group is important because it includes the direct ancestors of birds. Many Coelurosaurs had feathers, even if they couldn't fly.
Examples of Coelurosaurs
- Tyrannosaurus rex: The most famous dinosaur! It was a massive predator with a huge head and tiny arms. It lived at the very end of the Cretaceous period.
- Velociraptor: A smaller, agile predator with a distinctive sickle-shaped claw on each foot. It was known for its intelligence and pack hunting.
- Birds: Yes, modern birds are dinosaurs! They are the only living members of the Tetanurae group. They evolved from small, feathered Coelurosaurs.
When Did Tetanurans Live?
Tetanurans first appeared in the Jurassic period. This was about 190 million years ago. They continued to thrive through the Cretaceous period. They were a dominant group of predators for millions of years.
Their Time on Earth
- Jurassic Period: Early Tetanurans like Monolophosaurus and Allosaurus lived during this time. They were already becoming diverse.
- Cretaceous Period: This period saw the rise of many famous Tetanurans, including Tyrannosaurus rex and Velociraptor. This is also when birds began to evolve more fully.
How Do We Know About Tetanurans?
Scientists learn about Tetanurans by studying their fossils. Fossils are the preserved remains or traces of ancient life. Paleontologists (scientists who study fossils) find bones, teeth, and even footprints of these dinosaurs.
Studying Fossils
When a paleontologist finds a Tetanuran fossil, they carefully dig it up. Then, they clean and study it. They compare the bones to other dinosaurs and modern animals. This helps them understand how Tetanurans lived, what they ate, and how they moved.
Scientists also use a method called cladistics. This helps them figure out how different groups of animals are related to each other. It's like building a family tree for dinosaurs. This is how they figured out that birds are Tetanurans!
Images for kids
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Illustration of Monolophosaurus jiangi
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Sinosaurus triassicus
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Spinosaurus
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Allosaurus skeleton
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Acrocanthosaurus
See also
In Spanish: Tetanurae para niños
