Fun Deltadromeus Facts For Kids

The Deltadromeus agilis inhabited the Earth in the late Cretaceous period, approximately 94-99 million years ago. These theropods belong to the animal kingdom of phylum Chordata, order Saurischia, family Noasauridae, and genus Deltadromeus. This fascinating species has a close relationship with the Bahariasaurus and Allosaurus. Fossils of this dinosaur have been recovered from the Kem Kem beds which established that they were localized in Southern Africa, particularly in the Moroccan Sahara. Fossilized tracks have been found along riverbanks that suggested that they largely inhabited wetlands. Having scales instead of feathers on their body is indicative of them being basal theropods. They have a carnivorous diet and wit, strength, and speed are some of the attributes associated with them. Studies related to its build have led several paleontologists to believe that they were among the fastest-running dinosaurs. Paul Sereno and Ernst Stromer were the first to formally describe the holotype that was found by Gabrielle Lyon in 1995.

If you like this animal content, don't forget to check out Kryptops and Patagonykus to learn interesting facts about them.

How do you pronounce 'Deltadromeus'?

The name Deltadromeus is pronounced as 'del-tah-drohm-ee-us'. In addition, Deltadromeus agilis, which is the scientific name of this dinosaur, is pronounced as 'del-tah-drohm-ee-us a-gi-lis'. These are Greek words that mean 'agile delta runner', which suggests that this dinosaur was nimble and had the capability to run swiftly.

What type of dinosaur was a Deltadromeus?

Being a predatory dinosaur, the Deltadromeus is classified as a large theropod. It is a member of the animal kingdom of phylum Chordata, order Saurischia, the family Noasauridae, and genus Deltadromeus. They are closely related to the primitive Bahariasaurus who was a contemporary species of these. The South American predator, Gualicho shinyae, is considered to be a sister taxon of it.

In which geological period did Deltadromeus roam the earth?

It is estimated that these dinosaurs roamed the Earth during the late Cretaceous period, approximately 94-99 million years ago. Two fossil remains, from this period, were found in a rocky hillside in the Kem Kem region of Northern Africa which is now the Moroccan Sahara.

When did the Deltadromeus become extinct?

No content is available on how and when the extinction of this species occurred. However, it is known that the late cretaceous period underwent some severe environmental changes million years ago which could have played a role in their extinction.

Where did Deltadromeus live?

The distribution of these primitive theropods was primarily localized in Northern Africa, particularly in the Moroccan Sahara. One fossil specimen of this species was found in a rocky hillside in the Kem Kem beds in this region which has led researchers to this information.

What was the Deltadromeus' habitat?

Considering the region from where the skeleton remains (toe bones in particular) of this dinosaur were recovered, it is likely that their habitat range included wetlands; an open plain with shallow, meandering rivers. In fact, fossilized tracks left behind by them have been discovered along the muddy riverbanks.

Who did Deltadromeus live with?

Not much is known about the social lifestyle of this dinosaur due to a lack of research. However, the discovery of fossil specimens of another theropod known as the Carcharodontosaurus at the same site (Kem Kem beds) led some paleontologists to believe that these dinosaurs engaged in social interactions. These engagements may have involved pack hunting and/or mating.

How long did a Deltadromeus live?

The lifespan of this dinosaur is unknown. However, being a member of the class Ceratosauria, it can be assumed that they lived up to 72 years of age, which is the average lifespan of dinosaurs belonging to this class.

How did they reproduce?

Very little is known about the reproductive behavior of this dinosaur. However, it is a known fact that dinosaurs, including this one, were oviparous and reproduced by laying eggs. Additionally, since it is a theropod, it can be assumed that the females displayed internal fertilization with a clutch size of 15-25 hard-shelled eggs that were laid inside nests unless otherwise noted.

What did Deltadromeus look like?

A great deal of information related to the physical description of this dinosaur is shrouded in mystery. However, the holotype, which is a partial skeleton, has helped to shed some light on this subject. It had a light, narrow form with a long tail. They had long hind limbs and even longer arms, and both consisted of three clawed digits. The body length of this theropod is estimated to be 26.57 ft (8.1 m) while the femur is 0.74 m (2.42 ft). Their teeth were exceptionally sharp. Not feathers but, bumpy scales covered the surface of their body. This suggests that they belonged to a basal theropod family. Unfortunately, the skull has not been recovered yet.

How many bones did a Deltadromeus have?

The exact number of bones that this dinosaur had cannot be specified since its entire bone structure is yet to be found. Some of the known remains found at the Kem Kem site including toe bones, claws, teeth, coracoid, pubes, and hind limbs are material cataloged to it.

How did they communicate?

Due to a lack of research, no content is found related to the pattern of communication that this dinosaur displayed. However, there are varied accounts regarding what they may have sounded like, which range from a loud roar to a soft coo. They also used visual cues for social interactions.

How big were the Deltadromeus?

On average, the Deltadromeus size is pretty huge. Their body length measured 26.57 ft (8.1 m). Again, the Deltadromeus height extended up to 8 ft (2.4 m) approximately. Compared to the famous theropod Tyrannosaurus, they are originally larger.

How fast could a Deltadromeus move?

The literal translation of the scientific name of this dinosaur is 'agile delta runner'. Therefore, it goes without saying that it can move swiftly and with great agility. The light and slender body help it to achieve great speed and outrun larger animals. However, the exact speed that it can achieve is yet to be quantified.

How much did a Deltadromeus weigh?

This dinosaur is estimated to weigh around 3000 lb (1360.7 kg). Compared to a large Bahariasaurus which weighs around 6613.8 lb (3000 kg), this dinosaur is relatively lighter.

What were the male and female names of the species?

There are no separate names assigned to the male and female counterparts of this species. They can simply be referred to as male and female Deltadromeus.

What would you call a baby Deltadromeus?

As dinosaurs, including this one, were oviparous in nature, their babies are known as hatchlings or chicks.

What did they eat?

Being carnivores by nature, this dinosaur is known to prey upon smaller animals. Although the Deltadromeus skull material has not been found, studies show they had sharp teeth that they used to rip and tear the flesh of the prey.

How aggressive were they?

Their level of aggression is still unclear due to a lack of specific research related to this subject but, it is likely that the long, razor-sharp teeth were capable of a powerful bite.

Did you know...

A legitimate assumption that has been made about this dinosaur being warm-blooded is based on the fact that their body was designed like that of a runner. Hence, it was named the 'delta runner'.

Why are they called Deltadromeus?

'Deltadromeus' is a combination of the Greek words 'delta' meaning 'wetlands' and 'dromeus' meaning 'runner'. This suggests that these dinosaurs were apex runners and showed great swiftness and agility. Being bipedal, they could stand upright and use their hind limbs to walk or run. Considering the large size of these dinosaurs, it was unusual for them to have a light and slender form. Surprisingly, these features helped it to become one of the fastest dinosaurs in history and could outrun other larger animals without much hassle.

How many specimens of Deltadromeus were discovered?

Two specimens (dating approximately 94-99 million years ago) of this dinosaur were recovered at the Bahariya formation by Gabrielle Lyon in 1995. The holotype was a partial skeleton that measured 8 ft (2.4 m) in length. It is related to the Bahariasaurus and is also the sister taxon of Gualicho shinyae, a South American predator. Originally thought of as a Bahariasaurus for having a similar bone structure, the second specimen had relatively larger features. However, Paul Sereno inferred its association with Deltadromeus. The length of the second specimen's femur was larger than the first's, measuring 1.22 m (4 ft) and 0.74 m (2.42 ft), respectively.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly dinosaur facts for everyone to discover! For more relatable content, check out these Austroraptor facts, or Xenotarsosaurus facts for kids.

You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our free printable swimming dinosaur coloring pages.

Main image by redjar.