Utahraptor facts for kids
Quick facts for kids UtahraptorTemporal range: Early Cretaceous
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Utahraptor
Kirkland, Gaston & Burge, 1993
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U. ostrommaysorum (Kirkland, Gaston & Burge, 1993) (type) |
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The Utahraptor was a very large dinosaur that lived during the Cretaceous Period. It was a type of dromaeosaurid, known for its sharp claws. This amazing predator had huge claws on its middle toes, measuring about 9 to 15 inches (23 to 38 cm) long!
Utahraptor was a fast and agile dinosaur. It walked on two legs, just like a bird. It had a flexible neck and a big head. Its powerful jaws were filled with sharp, serrated teeth. Each of its three fingers on its arms also had large, curved claws.
What was Utahraptor Like?
Utahraptor had four toes on each foot. The second toe had that famous sickle-like claw. The other toes had smaller claws. Its long tail was stiffened by bony rods along its spine. This tail helped the Utahraptor keep its balance. It also allowed for very fast turns when chasing prey.
Brain and Senses
This dinosaur had a relatively large brain. This suggests it was quite intelligent. It also had big, keen eyes, which means it had excellent eyesight. These features made it a very effective hunter.
Size and Weight
Utahraptor was quite a big dinosaur. It could grow to be about 16 to 23 feet (5 to 7 meters) long. It might have weighed around half a ton, which is about 1,000 pounds (450 kg)!
Images for kids
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Premaxilla of BYU 7510 14585
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Pedal ungual II of CEU 184v.294 at BYU
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Comparison between Utahraptor and other giant dromaeosaurids
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Reconstructed skull, BYU
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Life restoration
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Size of Utahraptor (5) compared with other dromaeosaurs
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Cast of the foot bones, Dinosaur Museum Aathal
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Utahraptor compared to the fauna of the Yellow Cat Member from the Cedar Mountain Formation (Utahraptor in dark red)
