What is Velocisaurus?
Q: What is Velocisaurus?
A: Velocisaurus is a theropod dinosaur related to Ceratosaurus.
Q: Where were the remains of Velocisaurus found?
A: The remains of Velocisaurus were found in Patagonia in strata from the Cretaceous period.
Q: What is the estimated length of Velocisaurus?
A: The estimated length of Velocisaurus is 1.2 meters (4 ft).
Q: What is unique about the foot of Velocisaurus?
A: The middle (third) metatarsal (foot bone) was the main weight-bearing element of Velocisaurus, and its upper end has thickened while the shafts of the adjoining second and fourth metatarsals have thinned considerably.
Q: Is the foot condition of Velocisaurus found in other theropods or birds?
A: No, the foot condition of Velocisaurus is unknown for other theropods, including birds.
Q: What is the suggested adaptation for the foot condition of Velocisaurus?
A: José Bonaparte suggested that the foot condition of Velocisaurus is an adaptation for a cursorial (running) lifestyle.
Q: Why did José Bonaparte suggest that Velocisaurus was an omnivore?
A: José Bonaparte suggested that Velocisaurus was an omnivore because the sole claw found, of the fourth toe, was not curved, but relatively straight.
