FOR AGES 3 YEARS TO 18 YEARS
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Sinocalliopteryx is a genus consisting of a single compsognathid dinosaur species, Sinocalliopteryx gigas. This genus was named in 2007 by Ji, Q., S., Ji, Lu J., C, and Yuan and means 'giant Chinese beautiful feather'. It belongs to the clades Dinosauria, Saurischia, and Theropoda, and the family Compsognathidae. It has been estimated by paleontologists that it existed from 129.4 million years ago to the Aptian Age of the Early Cretaceous. The fossil remains of this dinosaur were found in the Yixian Formation, Liaoning Province, China, and consist of a complete skeleton with filamentous structures (protofeathers). It has been estimated from the specimen that this dinosaur had a length of 7.5 ft (2.3 m) and a weight of 44 lb (20 kg). It is the largest known dinosaur of the group of compsognathids. It possessed 3.9 in (10 cm) long protofeather on its body along with feathers on its foot as well. It was initially assumed that these feathers evolved for insulation purposes, but other Yukin Formation's dinosaurs like Sinornithosaurus (bird-like dinosaur) and Sinosauropteryx possessed patterns, with the Sinosauropteryxs coloration allowing it to camouflage itself on the floor of the forest. It is possible that the feathers were used in camouflaging! There were also chevrons and spines in Sinocalliopteryx's tail that were inclined to the back strongly. This dinosaur was a carnivore as a partial leg of Sinornithosaurus (a bird-like dinosaur) was found in its ribs. There were also four large stones present in its abdominal cavity (stomach) that are believed to be gastroliths. Had fun learning these fun facts? Keep reading to discover thrilling facts related to Sinocalliopteryx size comparison, natural history, fossil remains, and more!
If you enjoyed reading our fun Sinocalliopteryx facts, you must check out our Dryosaurus and Gasparinisaura interesting facts as well!
Sinocallioptery can be pronounced as 'si-no-cal-ee-op-ter-ix.
The genus Sinocalliopteryx (meaning 'Chinese beautiful feather') consists of a compsognathid dinosaur species. It belongs to the clades Dinosauria, Saurischia, and Theropoda.
It was excavated from the Yixian Formation' Early Cretaceous suggesting that it existed from 129.4 million years ago to the Aptian Age of the Early Cretaceous
It has been estimated that these dinosaurs went extinct after the Aptian Age.
It is believed that this dinosaur inhabited Asia only as its fossil remains have only been found in the Jianshangou Beds of the Yixian Formation, Liaoning Province, China.
This dinosaur is believed to have been arboreal, inhabiting trees mainly. This preference of habitat would have aided it in catching flying prey easily.
The Sinocalliopteryx is known to have co-existed on Earth with dinosaurs like Nedoceratops, Australovenator, and Gobivenator during the Cretaceous period.
The lifespan of these dinosaurs has not yet been evaluated by paleontologists. However, we do know it has been estimated that compsognathids had short lives.
These dinosaurs are believed to have reproduced by laying eggs. They are also believed to have reproduced rapidly.
The Sinocalliopteryx is known from a specimen of a complete skeleton. It has been estimated from the specimen that this dinosaur had a length of 7.5 ft (2.3 m). This dinosaur possessed 3.9 in (10 cm) long protofeathers on its body. It was initially believed that these feathers evolved for insulation purposes, but other Yukin Formation's dinosaurs like Sinornithosaurus (bird-like dinosaur) and Sinosauropteryx possessed patterns, with the Sinosauropteryxs coloration allowing it to camouflage itself on the floor of the forest. It is also believed that the feathers helped in hiding from larger predators like the Sinocalliopteryx. There were chevrons and spines in the tail that were inclined to the back strongly. It had six large teeth present in its jaw. This dinosaur also possessed foot feathers which are believed to have developed in Microraptors. These foot feathers suggest that foot feathers originated earlier than the maniraptoran dinosaurs. There were also four stones found in the Sinocalliopteryx's abdominal cavity (stomach) that are believed to be gastroliths. The Sinocalliopteryx can be differentiated from the Huaxiagnathus by the presence of long hands that were longer than most compsognathids.
The specimen of this dinosaur consisted of a tail, partial skull, ribcage, feet, four gastrolith-like stones in the stomach, and hands. However, the total number of bones is not known.
It is not known how these dinosaurs communicated with each other due to a lack of research.
Sinocalliopteryx is a large compsognathid that measured about 7.7 ft (2.3 m) in total body length. It is the largest known genus of compsognathids. It is estimated to be twice the size of the Pisanosaurus!
The exact speed of this bipedal predator is not known. However, it is estimated by scientists that they were fast-moving dinosaurs.
The weight of these dinosaurs was estimated to be 44 lb (20 kg) in 2010 by Gregory S. Paul.
There are no sex-specific names for this species.
The babyof this species can be referred to as a hatchling or juvenile.
Sinocalliopteryx is the largest in the group comprising compsognathids, even being large in size as compared to the Huaxiagnathus. It is believed that due to its size, it did not prefer feeding upon smaller animals. It is assumed that these dinosaurs hunted on other animals, and did not scavenge. A partial leg bone of Sinornithosaurus (a bird-like dinosaur) was found in its gut. This leg was found between the ribs of the specimen discovered. There were also four stones found in its abdominal cavity (stomach) that are believed to be gastroliths. Gastroliths are usually found in herbivores but can be sometimes seen in carnivores as well. The gastroliths of carnivores are usually larger than the ones that are swallowed by herbivores. They help in breaking down the bones that the carnivores swallow. Interestingly, Compsognathus, which were smaller compsognathids, have been discovered with small animals like lizards present in their abdomen, consumed wholly without chewing.
These dinosaurs were medium-sized and are believed to have been quite powerful and aggressive due to their dietary requirements and body structure.
The clade Theropoda comprises mighty predators that existed on the planet 70-112 million years ago during the Late Cretaceous period. These dinosaurs were lethal predators that were bipedal and possessed sharp claws and powerful jaws!
Eodromaeus is believed to be the earliest theropod that existed 230 million years ago! Its fossil remains were discovered in northwestern Argentina and suggest that it attained a length of about 4 ft (1.2 m)!
This dinosaur was named in 2007 by Ji, Q., S., Ji, Lu J., C, and Yuan. The generic name means 'giant Chinese beautiful feather' and the specific name 'gigas' of the type species means giant.
Yes, this dinosaur was a compsognathid theropod that belonged to the clade Theropoda as it had filamentous structures (protofeathers and foot feathers) that were discovered along with many other Yixin formation's theropods.
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 Velocipes facts and Melanorosaurus interesting facts for kids.
You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our free printable Sinocalliopteryx coloring pages.
The main image is owned by Nobu Tamura.
The second image is owned by Nobu Tamura.
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At Kidadl we pride ourselves on offering families original ideas to make the most of time spent together at home or out and about, wherever you are in the world. We strive to recommend the very best things that are suggested by our community and are things we would do ourselves - our aim is to be the trusted friend to parents.
We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family.
Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability.
Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
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