Fun Falcarius Facts For Kids

The evolution of dinosaurs is an integral part of history and fossils enable a paleontologist to have a better understanding of them. Dinosaurs walked on this planet many years ago and after the discovery of their specimens, it is astonishing to learn about their variety. The early Cretaceous period is such a significant era as it witnessed some of the most incredible dinosaurs and their evolution. The genus Falcarius was initially a Theropod that comprised most carnivore dinosaurs; however, the Falcarius was a plant-eating herbivore as it was a variety 0f Therizinosaurs. Although some may assume that Falcarius were omnivores, their leaf-shaped teeth reveal that plants were significant in the Falcarius diet. This dinosaur had bipedal movement, a long neck and tail, and a small head. It was discovered by Lawrence Walker in Grand County in 1999. He notified Kirkland who excavated the fossil from the Cedar Mountain formation with his paleontology team. The Cedar mountain formation was the first excavated site from where almost 300 individual Falcarius fossils were discovered.

Intrigued already? Want to learn more about the Falcarius? Then keep reading this article as more interesting facts about the Falcarius comparison, the Falcarius size comparison, the Falcarius face, the Falcarius claw, the Falcarius size, and form are stated below.

If you like this article then check our other articles on Chungkingosaurus facts and Ichthyovenator facts too.

How do you pronounce Falcarius? 

The term for the genus Falcarius is derived from the Latin word Falcarius that implies 'sickle cutter' based on its large hand claws shaped like a sickle. The ‘utahensis’ in the species name refers to the region where it was discovered which was Utah. The Falcarius was first described by various paleontologists such as Zanno, Kirkland, and Sampson but it was not officially named. It was in 2005 that this species was officially named by Kirkland and is pronounced fal-ca-ree-us.

What type of dinosaur was a Falcarius?

Zanno may describe this dinosaur species as a bizarre cross because its classification was to the group of Theropods yet it is a plant-eating dinosaur. The Falcarius is primarily the primitive Therizinosaurian group of dinosaurs from the early Cretaceous period that inhabited Utah. They were small to medium-sized as concluded from their bones. As per their classification, these Theropods were predominantly carnivores with a meat-based diet. Therefore, many paleontologists believe that they were omnivores but their leaf-shaped teeth make its classification as a plant-eating dinosaur species.

In which geological period did the Falcarius roam the Earth?

This Theropoda species that was unearthed in the crystal geyser quarry of Utah is believed to have existed in the early Cretaceous era approximately 139-134 million years ago. This genus had one recognized species which is the Falcarius utahensis that was named by Kirkland. The Cedar Mountain formation was the first excavation ground.

When did the Falcarius become extinct?

The exact date of extinction of the Falcarius utahensis is not listed. However, dinosaurs faced mass extinction almost 65 million years ago and the Falcarius lived on Earth some 139-134 million years ago. The explanation behind the extinction was principally the impact of asteroids and climate change.

Where did a Falcarius live? 

Fossils that were discovered by Walker and handed over to Kirkland gave an idea that these Theropods were an inhabitant of the North American region of Utah as a huge number of animal remains were excavated from this place that belonged to the early Cretaceous era. James Kirkland, with his paleontology team, dug up almost 300 individual animals in 2006. Over 2000 specimens were excavated in 2005. The second excavation site was at the Suarez quarry where most adult specimens were discovered. Later, with every excavation, the number of individuals found has increased.

What was a Falcarius's habitat? 

The habitat of this Therizinosaurian species during the early Cretaceous era is not explicitly documented. However, as the diet of these Theropods was primarily plants, it can be assumed that they lived in a habitat where there were abundant plants and trees to survive.

Who did a Falcarius live with?

The social behavior of this Therizinosaur dinosaur is not listed.

How long did a Falcarius live?

The discovery of fossils revealed both juvenile and adult dinosaurs. However, the lifespan of these Theropods is currently not listed. They lived in the early Cretaceous era in Utah but for how long is not specified.

How did they reproduce?

A large number of bones of this primitive Therizinosauroid were discovered by paleontology groups. However, the pieces of information regarding this Theropod species are not complete. There is not enough data about the sexual behavior or method of reproduction of this dinosaur. Nevertheless, they reproduced sexually just like reptiles and laid eggs but the process or clutch size is not available.

What did a Falcarius look like?

The Falcarius utahensis was a small to medium size plant-eating dinosaur with a small head as per its description. They had a long neck and tail with sickle-shaped claws. They had a depression under their braincase which distinguished them from the rest of the Therizinosaurs. Their lower jaw comprises five teeth and Falcarius teeth were conical shaped. The maxilla of their upper jaw consisted of at least 16 teeth. The Falcarius humerus was powerful and their arms were elongated. Their claws were curved and almost 4-5 in (10.2-12.7 cm) long which enabled them to defend themselves. The scapula blades were 8.8 in (22.4 cm) long and were placed high. However, their skull remains incomplete.

How many bones did a Falcarius have?

The number of specimens that have been discovered from the first quarry in the Cedar Mountain formation was huge in number. Although the number is huge, the Falcarius skeleton and the Falcarius skull are incomplete. However, the total number of bones is not listed.

How did they communicate?

The communication skill of this dinosaur remains unspecified.

How big was a Falcarius? 

The size of these primitive Therizinosaurs varied and their length ranged between 13.1-16.4 ft (4-5 m) while a smaller Falcarius size could have been around 3.3 ft (1 m). Most of the Falcarius species was twice the length of the Jianchangosaurus which is another variety of Therizinosaurian dinosaurs and had a length of 6.6 ft (2 m).

How fast could a Falcarius move?

The speed of Falcarius utahensis is not listed. However, this primitive Therizinosauroid was bipedal with a long neck and tail.

How much did a Falcarius weigh?

The discovery of Falcarius, be it the small fossil or the large fossil of an individual, established that they weighed around 220.5 lb (100 kg).

What were male and female names of the species?

The exact term for males and females is not listed.

What would you call a baby Falcarius?

The exact term for baby Falcarius is not listed. However, the offspring of reptiles are called hatchlings when they are hatched. Therefore, perhaps dinosaur offspring are also referred to as hatchlings and later juveniles.

What did they eat? 

The leaf-shaped teeth of the Falcarius utahensis suggest that a major part of their diet consisted of plant-based food, although they belong to the Theropoda group that has mostly species with a meat-eating diet.

How aggressive were they?

The temperament of these primitive Therizinosaurs has not been documented. It was primarily a herbivore but how aggressive it was towards its kind or to other animals is not determined.

Did you know...

The Falcarius utahensis had three-toed feet where the hallux was reduced and a prepubic pelvis.

What does the name Falcarius mean?

The term Falcarius is derived from a Latin word that implies sickle cutter. These long hand claws of the Falcarius utahensis gave an impression of a sickle cutter. Therefore James Kirkland named it Falcarius in 2005.

Why was the Falcarius fossil such an important find for scientists?

The Falcarius utahensis was a plant-eating herbivore that belonged to the Theropod group of dinosaurs, therefore paleontologists such as Zanno considered it to be a bizarre mix. It acted as a missing link between meat-eating and plant-eating dinosaurs therefore it was an important find in the history of paleontology.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly dinosaur facts for everyone to discover! Learn more about some other creatures by reading our Rahonavis facts or our Yinlong facts for kids.

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