Compsognathus, a small however fascinating dinosaur from the Late Jurassic interval, has captivated dinosaur fanatics since its discovery within the mid-Nineteenth century.
Compsognathus is primarily identified for its small dimension; for a few years it was the smallest-known dinosaur, and is usually in comparison with a contemporary rooster in dimension (smaller dinosaurs, corresponding to Microraptor and Parvicursor have subsequently been found).
All that’s identified about Compsognathus comes from two well-preserved fossils, considered one of which was discovered within the Solnhofen limestone of Germany; the opposite within the Portland limestone of France.
Learn on to seek out out extra details about this diminutive dinosaur…
Compsognathus Information
- Kind of Dinosaur: Theropod
- Food plan: Carnivore
- Continent(s) Discovered: Europe (particularly in areas that are actually Germany and France)
- Size: Roughly 1 meter (3.3 toes)
- Top: 20-30 cm (8-12 inches)
- Weight: Round 2.5 kilograms (5.5 kilos)
- Interval: Late Jurassic, roughly 150 million years in the past
What Did Compsognathus Look Like?
Compsognathus was a small, nimble theropod dinosaur identified for its slender construct and comparatively diminutive dimension in comparison with a lot of its contemporaries.
This Late Jurassic dinosaur measured roughly 1 meter (3.3 toes) in size. It’s typically described as being “chicken-sized”, however this comparability could also be primarily based on a juvenile specimen. It had a light-weight body, with an estimated weight of round 2.5 kilograms (5.5 kilos).
Compsognathus was characterised by its elongated neck, small head with sharp, serrated tooth, and lengthy, tapering tail, which helped it preserve steadiness whereas operating.
The limbs of Compsognathus had been well-suited for a carnivorous life-style, with sturdy, clawed arms that would grasp prey. Like most different theropods, it possible had three digits per hand, though fossil proof means that the third digit might both have been very small or not current in any respect.
Did Compsognathus Have Feathers?
There isn’t a proof that Compsognathus itself had feathers, though some dinosaurs believed to have been associated to Compsognathus did have feathers.
What Does The Title Compsognathus Imply?
The title Compsognathus comes from Greek and means “elegant jaw” or “delicate jaw.” It’s derived from the Greek phrases “kompsos” (κομψός), which means “elegant” or “refined,” and “gnathos” (γνάθος), which means “jaw.” This title displays the dinosaur’s comparatively delicate and slender jaw construction, which distinguishes it from different theropods.
What Kind Of Dinosaur Was Compsognathus?
Compsognathus was a small theropod dinosaur. Theropods are a gaggle of bipedal saurischian dinosaurs characterised by hole bones and three-toed limbs.
Compsognathus belonged to the household Compsognathidae, identified for his or her small dimension and carnivorous eating regimen. Different members of this household embody Sinosauropteryx and Juravenator.
These dinosaurs had been agile predators, counting on their velocity and dexterity to hunt small vertebrates and bugs.
The place Did Compsognathus Stay?
Thus far, two specimens of Compsognathus have been discovered: one in Germany and one in France.
Compsognathus Discovery
The primary specimen of Compsognathus was found in 1859 within the Solnhofen limestone of Bavaria, Germany. This specimen was acquired by Dr. Joseph Oberndorfer, a German doctor and paleontologist.
A second, bigger, specimen was found later in 1971 within the Portland limestone of southeastern France.
When Did Compsognathus Stay?
Compsognathus lived throughout the Late Jurassic interval, roughly 150 million years in the past.
What Dinosaurs And Different Animals Did Compsognathus Stay With?
The Solnhofen limestone in Bavaria, Germany, is famend for its exceptionally well-preserved fossils from the Late Jurassic interval. The perfect-known dinosaur to have been found within the formation is Archaeopteryx.
A pivotal species within the research of the evolution of birds from theropod dinosaurs, Archaeopteryx had feathers and bird-like traits, but additionally retained many dinosaurian traits.
The Solnhofen limestone has yielded a wealth of different prehistoric life varieties, together with pterosaurs like Rhamphorhynchus and Pterodactylus, numerous marine reptiles, and quite a few invertebrates and fish, providing an in depth glimpse into the ecosystem of the Late Jurassic interval.