Velocisaurus facts for kids

Velocisaurus (say "Vel-OH-sih-SAWR-us") was a type of theropod dinosaur. Theropods were dinosaurs that walked on two legs, like T. rex. Velocisaurus was related to another dinosaur called Ceratosaurus. Scientists found its bones in a place called Patagonia, which is in South America. These bones came from rocks that are from the Cretaceous period, a long time ago when dinosaurs lived.

What We Know About Velocisaurus

Scientists only have a few bones from Velocisaurus. They have found parts of its leg and feet. Because of these bones, they think Velocisaurus was about 1.2 meters (4 feet) long. That's about the size of a large dog!

Its Special Feet

The feet of Velocisaurus were very unique. The bone in the middle of its foot, called the third metatarsal, was the strongest part. This bone was thicker at the top. The bones next to it (the second and fourth metatarsals) were much thinner. This kind of foot is not seen in other theropod dinosaurs, not even in birds!

However, some ancient horses, like Mesohippus, had a similar foot structure with three toes.

Built for Running

José Bonaparte, the scientist who described Velocisaurus, thought its special foot was an adaptation for running very fast. An adaptation is a special feature that helps an animal survive in its environment. So, Velocisaurus was probably a speedy runner!

He also thought Velocisaurus might have been an omnivore. This means it ate both plants and meat. He guessed this because the only claw found, from its fourth toe, was fairly straight and not very curved. Curved claws are usually found on meat-eating dinosaurs that grab their prey.

Images for kids

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  Restoration of Velocisaurus, with head based on that of Masiakasaurus

See also

In Spanish: Velocisaurus unicus para niños