Fun Itemirus Facts For Kids

Moumita Dutta
Oct 20, 2022 By Moumita Dutta
Originally Published on Mar 24, 2022
Edited by Luca Demetriou
Fact-checked by Sakshi Raturi
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These Itemirus facts can be shared with friends and family.

The fossils of this classification of the theropod dinosaurs were discovered in Central Asia. These were found in a village in Uzbekistan named Dzharakuduk, in the layers of the Bissekty Formation.

Contrary to popular species of the theropods, these dinosaurs did not look like the usual reptiles. They had feathers instead of smooth skin. Keep reading to know more interesting facts that are sure to pique your brain!

Itemirus Interesting Facts

How do you pronounce 'Itemirus'?

It is pronounced as 'I-tay-me-rus'. This was a generic name given to the animal to refer to the medulla oblongata, which is the brain part that resides with the braincase. This part of the cranial anatomy is known as the itemir.

What type of dinosaur was an Itemirus?

The Itemirus were carnivores belonging to the class Theropoda.

In which geological period did the Itemirus roam the Earth?

They lived during the late period of the Cretaceous, during the Turonian age.

When did the Itemirus become extinct?

It is not known when these animals became extinct. About 65 million years ago, all dinosaurs faced extinction owing to an asteroid shower on Earth.

Where did Itemirus live?

This genus lived in what is now known as Uzbekistan. Back then, it was known as the Navoiy Region. A village named Dzharakuduk had a place called the Bissekty Formation. This is where the fossils were found. Some also claim that specimens were found in North America as well. Around six different specimens have been found all over.

What was the Itemirus' habitat?

These animals lived in a formation that was made out of mostly sandstone which is a natural material. Other materials present in this habitat were mudstone, conglomerate, and siltstone.

Who did the Itemirus live with?

The social behavior of the Itemirus is not known.

How long did an Itemirus live?

Most theropods like Itemirus had an estimated lifespan of up to 28 years.

How did they reproduce?

Like most other dinosaurs, this genus also exhibited oviparous reproduction. This means that they laid eggs which later hatched into young ones.

Itemirus Fun Facts

What did the Itemirus look like?

When it actually comes down to the physical aspects of these animals, little is known since it was only the braincase that was discovered. Upon analysis, it was seen that the brain lobes were quite big.

This was evidence enough to understand that these were balanced creatures with a sharp vision. They had feathers on their body and had a beak.

The evolution of the Theropoda class started from fast runners and ended with small birds.

How many bones did an Itemirus have?

Dinosaurs from the Cretaceous period were known to have about 200 bones.

How did they communicate?

These animals from the Late Cretaceous period communicated through sight, smell, sound, and gestures.

How big was the Itemirus?

The size in regards to the height and length of this animal remains unknown.

How fast could an Itemirus move?

The running speed of this species has not yet been estimated.

How much did an Itemirus weigh?

The weight of this animal from the Late Cretaceous period is not known.

What were the male and female names of the species?

There are no separate names for the different sexes of these animals.

What would you call a baby Itemirus?

A baby dinosaur is known as a nestling or hatchling.

How aggressive were they?

This dinosaur from the Late Cretaceous period was a carnivore. Even though there is no real concrete evidence that says they were aggressive, it can be assumed so since they used to prey on other animals.

Did You Know…

Although no evidence says that these animals had strong teeth, it was presumably the case since they were carnivores. This animal can be said to be rare since only one fossil was found, which was damaged.

Since not much is known about their social behavior, there are no facts that comment on whether they were greedy or territorial.

 

*We've been unable to source an image of Itemirus and have used an image of Avaceratops instead. If you are able to provide us with a royalty-free image of Itemirus, we would be happy to credit you. Please contact us at hello@kidadl.com.

**We've been unable to source an image of Itemirus and have used an image of Nipponosaurus instead. If you are able to provide us with a royalty-free image of Itemirus, we would be happy to credit you. Please contact us at hello@kidadl.com.

Itemirus Facts

What Did They Prey On?

Smaller animals

what Type of Animal were they?

Carnivores

Average Litter Size?

Unknown

What Did They Look Like?

Green, yellow, brown, gray

How Much Did They Weigh?

Unknown

Skin Type

Feathers

How Long Were They?

Unknown

How Tall Were They?

Unknown

Kingdom

Animalia

Class

Theropods

Genus

Itemirus

Family

Dromaeosauridae

Scientific Name

Itemirus medullaris

What Were Their Main Threats?

Volcanic eruption, climate change, asteroid impact

What Habitat Did They Live In?

Asia

Where Did They Live?

Uzbekistan
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Written by Moumita Dutta

Bachelor of Arts specializing in Journalism and Mass Communication, Postgraduate Diploma in Sports Management

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Moumita DuttaBachelor of Arts specializing in Journalism and Mass Communication, Postgraduate Diploma in Sports Management

A content writer and editor with a passion for sports, Moumita has honed her skills in producing compelling match reports and stories about sporting heroes. She holds a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the Indian Institute of Social Welfare and Business Management, Calcutta University, alongside a postgraduate diploma in Sports Management.

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Fact-checked by Sakshi Raturi

Postgraduate Diploma in Management

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Sakshi RaturiPostgraduate Diploma in Management

Sakshi has experience in marketing strategy, social media planning, and recruiting industry experts for capstone projects, she has displayed a commitment to enhancing their skills and knowledge. She has won multiple awards, including a Certificate of Appreciation for Creative Writing and a Certificate of Merit for Immaculate Turut, and is always seeking new opportunities to grow and develop.

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