Archaeornithomimus
Order: Saurischia · Suborder: Theropoda · Infraorder: Tetanurae · Family: Ornithomimidae
Found in China, Archaeornithomimus is the oldest ornithomimid orostrich mimic dinosaur. Unlike its later cousins which had three long fingers on each hand Archaeornithomimus had a small, short third finger and all the hand bones are much shorter than any other ornithomimid. This finding has lead some scientists to question whether Archaeornithomimus is a trueornithomimid or a new and as yet unidentified carnivorous dinosaur.
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Reference background: Natural History Museum, London — Dinosaurs; Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History — Dinosaurs; American Museum of Natural History — Dinosaurs & Fossils. Figures are typical published ranges; taxonomy follows the source era and modern consensus is noted where it differs. See our sources & fact-check policy.
Frequently asked questions
What does Archaeornithomimus mean?
The name Archaeornithomimus means “Ancient Bird Mimic”. It is pronounced ar-kee-or-NITH-uh-my-mus.
When did Archaeornithomimus live?
Archaeornithomimus lived during the Late Cretaceous.
Was Archaeornithomimus a carnivore or a herbivore?
Archaeornithomimus was a carnivore.
How big was Archaeornithomimus?
Archaeornithomimus was about 11 feet (3.4 meters) long, around 6 feet (1.8 meters) tall, weighing up to 200 pounds (90.7 kg).
Related dinosaurs
Other dinosaurs from the Ornithomimidae family.
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