Theropod - Paleontology and Geology Glossary

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Dinosaur and Paleontology Dictionary

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THEROPOD

Theropods (meaning "beast-footed") were a suborder of Saurischian dinosaurs. They were fast-moving, bipedal carnivores (meat-eaters) with grasping hands and clawed digits. They ranged in size from tiny (e.g., the chicken-sized Compsognathus) to huge (Giganotosaurus was over 50 feet tall). Theropods lived from the mid-Triassic period until the end of the Cretaceous period. Their fossils have been found world-wide.

THEROPODS Led to the birds!
Fast and agile Carnivorous diet Sharp, slicing teeth or beak, and well-developed jaw muscles Clawed hands (usually with three main digits - exceptions include the Tyrannosaurids, who lost the third digit) Bipedal walk Strong legs with bird-like, clawed feet Large eyes, indicating good eyesight.