Dromaeosaurus
Dromaeosaurus was a medium-sized, heavily built dromaeosaurid theropod dinosaur that lived in North America during the Late Cretaceous period. Known for its robust skull and powerful jaws, it likely used a "puncture and pull" feeding method, preferring larger prey than some of its contemporaries.
Key Facts
- ›Lived during the Late Cretaceous period, between 80 and 69 million years ago.
- ›Fossils found in Alberta, Canada, and the western United States.
- ›Named by William Diller Matthew and Barnum Brown in 1922.
- ›Possessed a robust skull, deep mandible, and strong, cone-shaped teeth.
- ›Estimated to be about 2 meters in length and weigh around 16 kilograms.
- ›Likely a diurnal predator that included bone in its diet.
- Medium-sized theropod
- Heavily built for its size
- Robust skull with a deep snout
- Large, curved, cone-shaped teeth with enamel coating
- Nine teeth in each maxilla
- Sharply curved 'sickle claw' on each foot
Dakotaraptor, Velociraptor, Deinonychus, Saurornitholestes, Utahraptor, Achillobator, Yurgovuchia, Adasaurus
North America
About Dromaeosaurus
Dromaeosaurus: The Running Lizard
Dromaeosaurus, meaning "running lizard," was a genus of dromaeosaurid theropod dinosaur that inhabited North America during the Late Cretaceous period. Its fossils have been unearthed in regions that are now Alberta, Canada, and the western United States, dating back approximately 80 to 69 million years ago.
Discovery and Naming
The first remains of Dromaeosaurus were discovered by paleontologist Barnum Brown in 1914 in Alberta, Canada. The type species, Dromaeosaurus albertensis, was formally named and described in 1922 by William Diller Matthew and Barnum Brown. The genus name reflects its presumed agility, while the species name honors its discovery location.
Physical Characteristics and Diet
Dromaeosaurus was a medium-sized carnivore, estimated to be around 2 meters (6.5 feet) in length and weighing approximately 16 kilograms (35 pounds). It was more heavily built than some similarly sized dromaeosaurids. Its skull was robust, featuring a deep mandible and sharp, cone-shaped teeth. These teeth, along with a likely sickle claw on each foot, were adapted for predation. Studies of its teeth suggest a powerful bite force, and its feeding habits are thought to have included a "puncture and pull" method, possibly including bone in its diet. Dromaeosaurus is believed to have been a diurnal predator, active during the day.
Classification and Relationships
Dromaeosaurus is the type genus for the family Dromaeosauridae and subfamily Dromaeosaurinae. While its exact relationships have been subject to debate, it shares key features with other dromaeosaurids like Velociraptor and Deinonychus. Some analyses have suggested close relationships with genera such as Dakotaraptor, though this is not universally agreed upon.
Fossil Record
Despite its recognition in popular culture and museum displays, Dromaeosaurus is known from relatively sparse fossil material, particularly for its type species. Much of the understanding of its anatomy and appearance has been informed by more complete fossils of related dromaeosaurids discovered more recently.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Dromaeosaurus live?
Dromaeosaurus lived during the Late Cretaceous period, specifically between 80 and 69 million years ago. This timeframe spans the middle to late Campanian and Maastrichtian stages of that era.
Where were Dromaeosaurus fossils found?
Fossils attributed to Dromaeosaurus have been discovered in the Canadian province of Alberta and in the western United States. Specific formations include the Hell Creek, Horseshoe Canyon, and Dinosaur Park Formations.
What does the name Dromaeosaurus mean?
The scientific name Dromaeosaurus is derived from Greek words. 'Dromeus' means 'runner,' and 'sauros' means 'lizard,' so it translates to 'running lizard'.
What did Dromaeosaurus eat?
Dromaeosaurus was a carnivore. Studies suggest it had powerful jaws capable of crushing and tearing, and likely preferred larger prey items. It may have also included bone in its diet.
How large was Dromaeosaurus?
Dromaeosaurus was a medium-sized theropod, estimated to be about 2 meters (approximately 6.5 feet) in length. Its body mass was estimated to be around 16 kilograms (about 35 pounds).
What were the distinctive physical features of Dromaeosaurus?
Dromaeosaurus had a relatively robust skull with a deep snout and nine teeth in each maxilla. Its teeth were large, curved cones covered in enamel. It is also believed to have had a sickle claw on each foot.
Related Dinosaur species
Albertosaurus
Albertosaurus is a genus of large tyrannosaurid dinosaur that lived in northwestern North America during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 71 million years ago. Known for its bipedal predatory nature, it was significantly smaller than its famous relative, Tyrannosaurus rex. Extensive fossil discoveries, particularly from the Dry Island bone bed in Alberta, Canada, have provided significant insights into its anatomy, growth, and behavior.
Atrociraptor
Atrociraptor was a small, predatory dromaeosaurid dinosaur that lived in what is now Alberta, Canada, during the Late Cretaceous period. Known for its deep snout and distinctively inclined teeth, it is believed to have been adapted for attacking larger prey compared to its relatives. Its fossils, primarily skull fragments and isolated teeth, were discovered in the Horseshoe Canyon Formation.
Daspletosaurus
Daspletosaurus, meaning "frightful lizard," was a genus of tyrannosaurid dinosaur that roamed the North American continent of Laramidia during the Late Cretaceous Period. This large bipedal predator was an apex hunter, likely preying on large herbivores and engaging in social behaviors such as pack hunting or mobbing carcasses. Its massive skull, powerful jaws, and sharp teeth made it a formidable carnivore.