What is gigantoraptor?

Gigantoraptor

• Discovery and Naming: Gigantoraptor erlianensis was discovered in 2005 in the Iren Dabasu Formation of Inner Mongolia, China. The name Gigantoraptor refers to its enormous size compared to other oviraptorosaurs, and erlianensis refers to the Erlian Basin where it was found. https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Discovery%20and%20Naming

• Size: It was significantly larger than any other known oviraptorosaur, estimated to be around 8 meters (26 feet) long and weighing approximately 1.4 tonnes (3,100 lbs). https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Size

• Classification: Gigantoraptor is classified as an oviraptorosaur, a group of bird-like theropod dinosaurs characterized by their beaked jaws and often elaborate crests. https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Classification

• Features: Unlike most large theropods, Gigantoraptor had relatively long legs for its size, suggesting it may have been a fast runner. The holotype specimen was a subadult, and its adult size is unknown. https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Features

• Feathers: While direct fossil evidence of feathers is lacking, the close relationship of Gigantoraptor to other feathered oviraptorosaurs suggests it likely possessed some form of plumage, at least in its juvenile stage. It's debated if adults kept their feathers. https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Feathers

• Diet: The exact diet of Gigantoraptor is unknown, but it's believed to have been an omnivore or herbivore. Some scientists suggest that it may have used its large size to displace smaller theropods from their kills. https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Diet

• Significance: The discovery of Gigantoraptor challenged previous assumptions about the size limits of oviraptorosaurs and provided new insights into the evolution of this unique group of dinosaurs. https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Significance