Caudipteryx

Height : 1 m (3ft)

Length: 1.2 m (4 ft)

Weight :5 kg; (11 lb)

Caudipteryx was a small feathered theropod that lived around 135 to 120 million years ago during the early Cretaceous period. Caudipteryx feathers were symmetrical so it couldn't fly. It probably used its feathers for insulation and for stability when running; by spreading its fore limbs in a similar fashion to modern ostriches. It is older than Archaeopteryx and there is some debate as to whether Caudipteryx forms a link between older Coelurosaur dinosaurs and Archaeopteryx, which is the oldest known bird.

Caudipteryx means "tail feathers" afters its large flat tail covered with feathers. Fossils

  • Dinosauria (Dinosaurs)
    • Saurischia (Lizard Hipped)
      • Theropods (bipedal, mostly carnivores)
        • Tetanura (advanced theropods with three fingers)
          • Coelurosauria (fast predators with light hollow bones and large brains)
            • Compsognathidae
              • Caudipteryx
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