Fun Bonapartenykus Facts For Kids

Dino-mite Bonapartenykus was one of the carnivore species discovered in South America. Article and fossils, including bones, found in a site in Argentina suggest that the dinosaurs existed between the Campanian Age and the Maastrichtian Age.

Living in the late Cretaceous period, the dinosaurs mostly consisted of adult females who could reproduce eggs. The discovery of two eggs has been identified in an area where the oviduct is supposed to be present. Eggs were usually placed in a nest to protect them from other species. There has been evidence that the eggs had signs of fungal contamination. Its lack of skull brings about certain questions, but several scientists have considered the dinosaur as an insectivore. The discovery of strong jaws proves how this dinosaur used to bring the death of small creatures by biting in order to maintain its diet.

How do you pronounce 'Bonapartenykus'?

The name Bonaprtenykus is pronounced as bo-na-par-te-nykus. It was named after the paleontologist Jose Bonaparte.

What type of dinosaur was a Bonapartenykus?

The Bonapartenykus is regarded as a genus of alvarezsaurid theropod dinosaur.

In which geological period did the Bonapartenykus roam the Earth?

There has been evidence that the dinosaur existed during the late Campanian Age and the Maastrichtian Age.

When did the Bonapartenykus become extinct?

There is no concrete information regarding the extinction of the Bonaprtenykus specimen yet. However, paleontologists are of the opinion that the extinction of the Bonaprtenykus was caused by a lack of care when they were about to hatch their eggs.

Where did Bonapartenykus live?

The dinosaur species used to live in the Allen Formation of north-western Patagonia, which is now in present-day Argentina.

What was the Bonapartenykus' habitat?

These dinosaurs lived in a terrestrial habitat regardless of having bird-like features. The site of Patagonia has also yielded nests on the ground, suggesting that the Bonapartenykus lived on the ground instead of trees.

Who did the Bonapartenykus live with?

There has been no tangible proof as to whether this dinosaur lived solo or in groups. But with seeming bird-like features, it can be assumed that the Bonapartenykus traveled in groups on certain occasions.

How long did a Bonapartenykus live?

No proper specimen has been found which can help determine the lifespan of a Bonapartenykus. However, the dinosaur existed 70 million years ago in the Cretaceous period.

How did they reproduce?

The Bonapartenykus reproduced by laying eggs. Several fossils of eggs have been discovered, which helps us understand their oviparous nature.

What did the Bonapartenykus look like?

The bird-like skeleton of the Bonaprtenykus resembles today's bird, the turkey. Having a skull similar to birds, Bonapartenykus had small teeth along with short forelimbs. Its body was fully covered with feathers, the color of which remains a mystery.

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How many bones did a Bonapartenykus have?

Scientists have discovered various bones which can be indicated as the origins of the dinosaur. However, the exact number of bones remains elusive regardless of the discoveries.

How did they communicate?

Since there has been no concrete information regarding the living conditions of the Bonapartenykus, their communication systems are also yet to be discovered. Usually, dinosaurs used the mediums of hooting, roaring, or cracking sounds in order to communicate.

How big was the Bonapartenykus?

An estimated length of 8.5 ft (2.6 m), the Bonapartenykus can be considered as quite a long but light as a creature. The height of the dinosaur proves that it could hunt insects and creatures from trees as well. It was 1.5 ft (0.45 m) longer than the Nemegtomaia.

How fast could a Bonapartenykus move?

The long hind legs of the Bonapartenykus prove that the dinosaur had a fast running range which has not been recorded.

How much did a Bonapartenykus weigh?

100 lb (45 kg) is the estimated weight of the dinosaur, which looks extremely contradictory compared to its height. The lightweight of the dinosaur proves that it may also have a limited flying range.

What were the male and female names of the species?

Male and female species have been identified, but they have not been accorded with specific scientific names. However, it is noticed that females during pregnancy had segregated from the males and shifted to Gondwana, the southern region of South America, marking a major difference between the two sexes.

What would you call a baby Bonapartenykus?

There have been no specified terms for the babies of the dinosaur.

How aggressive were they?

Aggression and greed seem to be general factors of the dinosaur, especially females, as they were concerned about the safety of their eggs. They used to segregate themselves during pregnancies which can be considered as a sign of aggression. We can assume even if they wouldn't eat large animals, they would definitely bite if threatened.

Did You Know...

Bonapartenykus is named after the paleontologist Jose Bonaparte, who had discovered a range of dinosaurs all across South America. The term refers to the claw of the dinosaur. Researchers have recently found out that the eggs of Bonapartenykus are adjoining with the remains of an alvarezsaurid. It is the first corroboration on which fungal contamination on eggs has been discovered.

B. Ultimas, the type species of Bonapartenykus, has been observed to have a branch of unique basal coelurosaurs with a huge representation of their radiation.

The fossil representation of a Bonapartenykus usually includes a partial postcranial skeleton along with two eggs. Sometimes an additional egg has also been found near the skeleton.

Certain scientists have also referred to the Bonapartenykus as an insectivore because it largely focussed on having insects in its diet. However, due to shreds of proof of having small creatures along with it, the Bonapartenykus has been considered a carnivore.