Key Information
Ornithomimus
| Species | Ornithomimus velox, Ornithomimus edmontonicus, Ornithomimus samueli? |
| Diet | Ominivore |
| Weight | 370 lb |
| Length | 12 ft |
| Height | Up to 5 ft 6 inches |
| Timescale | Late Cretaceous |
| Classification | Saurischia > Theropoda > Ornithomimidae |
Learning Point
- Ornithomimus were the first species of dinosaur of the ornithomimids, a group of ostrich like dinosaurs. Like many fossils found and identified in the early days of palaeontology, lots of fossils have been ‘thrown into‘ this species, only later to be identified as something different.
Project
- Draw a group of Ornithomimus in their natural habitat.
- Overview
- X-Ray
Location
| Confirmed | North America |
Fun Facts
- The name Ornithomimus means “bird mimic” in Greek, and is named that way because the feet are similar to those of birds.
- There have been many fossils assigned to Ornithomimus, but over time they have been reidentified as other similar species of dinosaur.
- Some fossils have been found that contain feather impressions, suggesting they had feathers on most of their body, except for their legs and feet.
- Their long legs have led some palaeontologists to think they were fast and agile runners.
Past Lessons
| 145 | April 15, 2024 | (North America) |