Deinonychus

Name: Deinonychus

Pronounced: Die-non-e-cus

Meaning: Terrible claw

Type: Small Theropod

Length: 0.63 - 3.5 meters long

Diet: Carnivore

Period: Early Cretaceous

Years: 120-110 million years ago

Location: USA

Description: Deinonychus is a genus of large, predatory dinosaur that lived during the Early Cretaceous Period, about 115-108 million years ago. It was a member of the group of dinosaurs called the dromaeosaurids, which also includes species such as Velociraptor and Utahraptor. Deinonychus was a large, agile dinosaur, with an estimated length of about 9-12 feet and a weight of up to 200-300 pounds. It had a small, triangular head with sharp teeth and powerful jaw muscles, as well as long, slender legs and a long, whip-like tail. Its body was probably covered in a layer of feathers. Deinonychus is known from a number of well-preserved fossil specimens, including several complete skeletons and skulls, which have helped paleontologists learn more about the anatomy and behavior of this dinosaur. It is known from North America, and is named after the Greek words 'deinos,' meaning 'terrible,' and 'onux,' meaning 'claw,' in reference to the large, retractable claw on its foot. Deinonychus was a predatory dinosaur, feeding on a variety of prey including other dinosaurs, reptiles, and possibly even early mammals. It is considered a advanced dromaeosaurid, and is thought to be closely related to other members of this group such as Velociraptor and Utahraptor. Deinonychus was a formidable predator, with powerful jaws and sharp teeth that were well-suited for tearing apart its prey. It is thought to have played a key role in the ecosystem of its time, as a top predator that helped shape the populations of other animals.

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