Microraptor zhaoianus - Cretaceous Dinosaurs
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(my-kroh rap-tor)
"small thief"
Describer Xu, 2000
Also Known As ?Cryptovolans Czerkas, 2002
Type of Species zhaoianus
Order Saurischia
SubOrder Theropoda
InfraOrder --
Micro-Order --
SuperFamily --
Family Dromaeosauridae
SubFamily Microraptorinae
Size 22 inches (56 centimeters) long
Period Early Cretaceous, 124 million years ago
Fossilsite Liaoning Province, southern China
Diet Carnivore
Species
?Microraptor gui Xu, 2003
Microraptor lived during the Early Cretaceous Period, about 124 million years in what is now Liaoning Province, southern China. Microraptor was a feathered dinosaur, from the dromaeosaurs family, which includes Velociraptor. Like other dromaeosaurids, Microraptor did not have fully formed feathers, and could not fly. Scientists speculate that Microraptor may have used its feet to hold on to the branches of trees. This suggests that Microraptor may have spent its time off the ground, living partially in the trees. Microraptor diet consisted of small animals and insects.
