Deinonychus
Deinonychus antirrhopus
ok. 3,4 mAdult individual · rekonstrukcja
Body length
Body length
wzdłuż osi ciała · od pyska do końca ogonaMeasurement: side
- Mass · szacunek
- No estimateSzacunki kopalne
Deinonychus — size comparison
Deinonychus was a bipedal Early Cretaceous predator of North America. A large sickle-shaped claw occupied the second toe of each foot, while a long, stiffened t
Silhouette comparison
Length
wzdłuż osi ciała · od pyska do końca ogonaReconstructed measurements · fossil estimates
Body lengthScale in m
01234
approx. 3.4 m
The scale compares the named dimensions. View direction and measurement points are given for each animal.
Deinonychus — size comparison — facts and sources
Deinonychus was a bipedal Early Cretaceous predator of North America. A large sickle-shaped claw occupied the second toe of each foot, while a long, stiffened tail balanced the body. Backward-curving teeth helped retain captured prey. Feathers are highly probable given its close relationship to dinosaurs with preserved plumage.
Claw function remains debated; the claws may have restrained prey. Bones and teeth found with Tenontosaurus indicate feeding relationships but do not establish whether several Deinonychus cooperated in hunting or fed at the same carcass.
John Ostrom’s research on this animal helped change perceptions of dinosaur activity. Its athletic, balanced build was one argument against the old image of all dinosaurs as sluggish animals.