Troodon
Troodon, also known as Stenonychosaurus, is often recognized as one of the smartest dinosaurs due to its relatively large brain size compared to its body. This small, terrestrial dinosaur could grow to about six feet long and weigh around 60 pounds. Characterized by its large head and jagged teeth, Troodon had excellent eyesight, which suggests it was likely nocturnal, hunting at night much like modern owls. Its lightweight build and strong legs allowed for quick movements, helping it catch smaller, agile prey. Although Troodon was smaller than many of its contemporaries, like Tyrannosaurus rex, it was a savvy predator that utilized its claws to stab rather than tear at its victims. Fossil evidence suggests that Troodon engaged in parental care, as egg fossils have been found alongside adult remains. Troodon fossils have been discovered across the United States, including Alaska, Montana, and Wyoming, as well as in Canada and China, indicating a broad geographic range during its existence. This dinosaur remains a subject of interest for paleontologists studying dinosaur intelligence and behavior.
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Subject Terms
Troodon (Stenonychosaurus)
Troodon was considered one of the smartest dinosaurs. It used its razor-sharp claws and good eyesight to hunt its prey.
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Dinosauria
Order: Saurischia
Family: Troodontidae
Genus: Troodon
Species: Various (see below)
When scientists first found fossils of Troodon, they called it Stenonychosaurus believing they had found a new dinosaur. After studying the bones more, they realized they were those of Troodon and the name Stenonychosaurus was no longer used.
Troodon was a small, terrestrial dinosaur. It grew to six feet (1 3/4 meters) and weighed only 60 pounds (27 kilograms). Troodon's head was large for its small body, growing to nine inches (23 centimeters) long by adulthood. With its large brain, Troodon is believed to have been one of the smartest dinosaur species to have lived. Its brain size compared to its body size is the largest of any dinosaur. Its snout, or nose, was long and narrow. The jaws of Troodon were lined with rows of jagged teeth. The large, wide-set eyes of this animal meant it had excellent eyesight, even in the dark. Scientists believe it was nocturnal, or, like owls, slept during the day and stayed awake at night.
Troodon lived on a diet of meat. Because it had a light body and strong legs, it could turn very quickly. This allowed it to catch even the smaller, quicker animals. The delicate bones of Troodon's toes kept it from using its finger-like claws to rip and tear its prey like Velociraptor does. Instead, it used its claws to spear and stab its victim.
Some larger meat-eaters like Tyrannosaurus rex could have eaten the much smaller Troodon in two bites. But Troodon was a quick, smart, nocturnal dinosaur. This made it a difficult animal to catch.
Little is known about the breeding habits of Troodon. Egg fossils from a dinosaur like Troodon have been found with the fossil of an adult female close by. The eggs were six inches (15 centimeters) long, four inches (10 centimeters) wide, and black. They were placed in a nest by the female. This shows us that the female may have looked after her eggs after they were laid.
Fossil remains of Troodon have been found in the United States in Alaska, Montana, and Wyoming. They have also been found in Heilongjiang, China, and Alberta, Canada.
Bibliography
Hilfrank, Elizabeth. "Troodon." National Geographic Kids, kids.nationalgeographic.com/animals/prehistoric/facts/troodon. Accessed 15 May 2024.
"Troodon Pictures and Facts." Dinosaur Pictures, dinosaurpictures.org/Troodon-pictures. Accessed 15 May 2024.
"Troodon." The Natural History Museum, www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/dino-directory/troodon.html. Accessed 15 May 2024.