ORNITHOMIMOSAUR Meaning and
Definition
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Ornithomimosaur is a term used in paleontology to refer to a group of bipedal, beaked, and ostrich-like dinosaurs that lived during the Mesozoic Era. The word "ornithomimosaur" originates from the combination of two Greek words: "ornithos," which means "bird," and "mimos," which translates to "mimic" or "imitator." Hence, the term can be roughly interpreted as "bird mimic lizard."
These dinosaurs belonged to the larger group of theropod dinosaurs, characterized by their bipedal stance and carnivorous nature. Ornithomiosaurs, also known as ostrich dinosaurs or ostrich-mimics, were generally smaller-sized dinosaurs that ranged in size from 6 to 20 feet in length. They possessed elongated necks and hands with three-fingered claws, which they likely used for foraging and gathering vegetation, seeds, fruits, and small animals.
Ornithomiosaurs had long, slender legs adapted for swift locomotion, allowing them to flee from predators or chase after prey. Their skeletal structure also included lightweight bones, suggesting an agile and active lifestyle. These dinosaurs are thought to have inhabited various environments, including forests, plains, and coastlines, during the Cretaceous period.
Significant ornithomimosaur species include the well-known Struthiomimus, Gallimimus, and Ornithomimus. The fossils of these dinosaurs have been discovered in different parts of the world, including North America, Asia, and Africa. Collectively, they provide valuable insights into the diverse range of dinosaur species that once roamed the Earth and help scientists understand the evolutionary history of these fascinating creatures.
Etymology of ORNITHOMIMOSAUR
The word "ornithomimosaur" is derived from two Greek roots: "ornitho-" and "-mimosaur".
The prefix "ornitho-" comes from the Greek word "ornis", which means "bird". This prefix is commonly used in words related to birds, such as "ornithology" (the study of birds) or "ornithologist" (one who studies birds).
The suffix "-mimosaur" is derived from the Greek word "mimos", meaning "mime" or "imitator". It is often used in the names of dinosaur groups to indicate their resemblance to other animals. The most famous example is "dinosaur", which means "terrible lizard" in Greek.
