The dinosaur period has always managed to get the best out of human curiosity. The species which lived millions of years ago is still a topic of conversation.
One such amazing and intriguing species is the Jurassic theropod dinosaur Piatnitzkysaurus. One of the very famous Middle Jurassic theropod dinosaurs is the Piatnitzkysaurus.
This type species lived around 177 million years ago during the Jurassic period. Their existence started taking growth from the Toarcian age and went on for around 177 million years after that.
They come under the Megalosauroidea species. This Megalosauroid was a large theropod and lived in various countries; however, only one skeleton has been found up until now.
They are called several names, as their remains are similar to a range of other collected skeletons. A few names with which we address this dinosaur in the current day are the Saurischia, the Theropoda, the Neotheropoda, the Spinosauridea as well as the Eustreptospondylinae.
This Piatnitzkysaurus floresi shares very close relations with dinosaurs of several other classifications. They are the South American cousin of the species Allosaurus.
These theropods come from various regions and Argentina is one of them, so it's very intriguing how they share a similar skeleton cast on a partial basis with the Piveteausaurus from France. To learn more about such interesting creatures make sure to check out our articles on grey wolves and the green anole.
Piatnitzkysaurus Interesting Facts
How do you pronounce 'Piatnitzkysaurus'?
This middle Jurassic theropod dinosaur is a Megalosauroid and one can pronounce it as "pee-at-NYITS-kee-SOR-us".
What type of dinosaur was a Piatnitzkysaurus?
This dinosaur was a Jurassic theropod dinosaur Piatnitzkysaurus. So far geologists have been able to find only two partial specimens: a fractured skull and the braincase that represents other types of megalosauroidea. The braincase structure matches the description of the Piveteausaurus from France.
In which geological period did the Piatnitzkysaurus roam the Earth?
The classification of this dinosaur is done under the Piatnitzkysauridae family and it was known to enjoy life during the lower Jurassic period. Many geologists such as Bonaparte believe these dinosaurs lived during the Toarcian age.
When did the Piatnitzkysaurus become extinct?
When it comes to the Piatnitzkysaurus, Scott Hartman and other geologists such as Bonaparte believe that they were disturbed due to the climate change which followed on Earth after the asteroid collision. Life and diet on Earth changed after that, not just for the Piatnitzkysaurus but for all dinosaurs.
The asteroid collision is the reason for their extinction. This is also the reason for the extinction of many dinosaurs, not just the Piatnitzkysaurus.
Where did a Piatnitzkysaurus live?
Around a million years ago, theropods lived in almost every region where they were provided with a good diet and a good environment. The Piatnitzkysaurus floresi lived in Argentina, North America, and even Canada.
What was a Piatnitzkysaurus' habitat?
The dinosaur of this classification lived in terrestrial and tropical regions. This dinosaur actively fed on young leaf-eating dinosaurs.
Who did a Piatnitzkysaurus live with?
The Piatnitzkysaurus skull revealed much new information about this genus. The unique feature of their braincase is its parasphenoid, which matches the description of only two or three other non-avian theropods.
Thus it can be assumed that during that period they lived with a similar type of species such as theropods. Current day Caribbean reef sharks and horn sharks are descended from relatives that swam during the time when the Piatnitzkysaurus lived.
How long did a Piatnitzkysaurus live?
The Piatnitzkysaurus skeleton and its braincase have provided noteworthy information regarding the dinosaur's length and lifespan. According to Bonaparte and many specialists on dinosaurs, this theropod lived for a good 20-30 years.
How did they reproduce?
The Piatnitzkysaurus, meaning Piatnitzky's lizard, reproduced like any other theropod of that time period. During the breeding season, this dinosaur would lay two eggs and guard them like most animal parents of the current day.
Piatnitzkysaurus Fun Facts
What did a Piatnitzkysaurus look like?
This genus comes in the range of medium-sized meat-eating dinosaurs. They were lightly built and the Piatnitzkysaurus height was around 14 ft (4.2 m). This dinosaur has strong arms and hind legs, and sometimes they would hunt down dinosaurs that were larger than them. Their legs, four toes and their braincase structure are pretty similar to other Megalosaurid dinosaurs.
*We've been unable to source an image of a Piatnitzkysaurus and have used an image of a Dilophosaurus instead. If you are able to provide us with a royalty-free image of a Piatnitzkysaurus, we would be happy to credit you. Please contact us at hello@kidadl.com.
How many bones did a Piatnitzkysaurus have?
It's not possible to know the exact number of bones and other such close details about the Piatnitzkysaurus, although we know its neck, tail and feet muscles were pretty strong. The Piatnitzkysaurus size wildlife remains of this animal also say the same.
How did they communicate?
Dinosaurs are intelligent creatures and know their way around when it comes to hunting or saving themselves from predators. Like modern-day parenting among animals, this dinosaur also takes into use calls and vocals to warn of predators and to save themselves. Some research strongly suggests that dinosaurs can also communicate through visuals.
How big was a Piatnitzkysaurus?
This therapod is a medium-size meat-eating carnivore. It is five times bigger than an Italian wolf and almost 10 times bigger in size than a saarloos wolf dog
How fast could a Piatnitzkysaurus move?
When it comes to speed, there is no competition to the Piatnitzkysaurus. Years of evolution and hunting skills are the reason why the Piatnitzkysaurus is so fast and quick.
The Piatnitzkysaurus also had strong leg muscles and sharp toes to help them when on a hunt. This dinosaur was indeed an excellent hunter and very fast when it came to running.
How much did a Piatnitzkysaurus weigh?
The Piatnitzkysaurus weighed around 650-660 lb (280-300 kg).
What were the male and female names of the species?
In this genus of dinosaurs, both sexes have a similar name and are often called with the same scientific and local name. Both males and females are similar in size. Two specimens collected by geologists are partially fractured so not much is known regarding differences between the two genders of this genus.
What would you call a baby Piatnitzkysaurus?
We address baby dinosaurs and baby reptiles with similar names. We call baby reptiles nestlings or hatchlings, depending upon their age. Nestlings are young dinosaurs who are too young to leave the nest, and hatchlings are just-born babies.
What did they eat?
The diet of the Piatnitzkysaurus is meat, so this dinosaur is a carnivore. Data collected so far reveals that unlike the hunting animals of today, the Piatnitzkysaurus did not hunt in a group or in small packs. Some also believe that this dinosaur could scavenge carcasses of nearby dead dinosaurs.
How aggressive were they?
The Piatnitzkysauru was a very aggressive dinosaur. It's very important for hunting animals to be aggressive, as it helps them to hunt not just smaller prey but also animals bigger than they are.
Did you know...
The Piatnitzkysaurus was named by Josh Bonaparte in the year 1979.
How did the Piatnitzkysaurus get its name?
The Piatnitzkysaurus was studied and described by Jose Bonaparte in the early 1970s. Famous gemologist Alejandro Matveievich introduced the Piatnitzkysaurus to the common public and also uncovered many intreating facts about the dinosaur. To honor the geologist, the dinosaur was named after him. It was given the name Piatnitzkysaurus, meaning Piatnitzky's lizard.
What was the difference between a Piatnitzkysaurus and a Chindesaurus?
Talking about Piatnitzkysaurus vs Chindesaurus, the main difference is the Chindesaurus lived during the late Triassic age whereas the Piatnitzky lived during the lower Jurassic age. The Piatnitzkysaurus had a better developed enemial crest whereas it's not noticed much in the Chindesaurus dinosaur.
The Chindesaurus had hollow limb bones which were not as dense as the bones of the Piatnitzkysaurus. The Chindesaurus hunted in small packs, and the Piatnitzkysaurus hunted alone. Thus, there are some major differences between them both.
Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly dinosaur facts for everyone to discover! Learn more about some other creatures from our whale shark facts and bowhead whale facts for kids.
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