Anomalipes Facts
Pronunciation: ah-NOM-ah-lie-peez
Name meaning: Unusual foot
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Height | 1m |
| Length | 2m |
| Weight | 25 kg |
| Environment | Land |
| Era | Cretaceous |
| Period | Late Cretaceous |
| Type | Theropod |
| Location | China |
Anomalipes was a fascinating theropod dinosaur that lived during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 83.6 million years ago in what is now China. This relatively small dinosaur is known from a single species, Anomalipes zhaoi, which was discovered in the Wangshi Group of Shandong Province. The creature's name means 'unusual foot', reflecting the distinctive features found in its partial hindlimb remains.
As a theropod, Anomalipes belonged to the group of dinosaurs that included both fierce predators and more peaceful plant-eaters. This particular species was likely an omnivore, meaning it ate both plants and small animals. Based on the size of its leg bones, scientists estimate that Anomalipes was a relatively small dinosaur, standing about 1 metre tall at the hip and reaching approximately 2 metres in total length.
The discovery of Anomalipes has provided valuable insights into the diversity of theropod dinosaurs during the Late Cretaceous period in Asia. Its unique foot structure suggests it may have had specialised locomotion or feeding behaviours that set it apart from its relatives. The fossil evidence indicates this was a bipedal creature, walking and running on its two hind legs like many other theropods of its time.
What made Anomalipes distinctive?
Anomalipes possessed unusual foot characteristics that gave the dinosaur its name, with distinctive features in its hindlimb structure that set it apart from other theropods. The partial leg bones show unique proportions and bone arrangements that suggest specialised adaptations for its lifestyle.
Behaviour
Based on its theropod classification and estimated size, Anomalipes likely moved swiftly on its two legs across the Late Cretaceous landscapes of ancient China. As a probable omnivore, it may have foraged for a variety of food sources including small animals, insects, eggs, and plant matter.
Discovery
Anomalipes was first described by Funston and Currie in 2018. The original fossils were discovered at Wangshi Group, Shandong Province, China.
Anomalipes FAQ
What did Anomalipes eat?
Anomalipes was likely an omnivore, meaning it ate both plants and animals. As a theropod with a relatively small size, it probably fed on insects, small vertebrates, eggs, fruits, and tender plant parts that it could find in its
Late Cretaceous environment.
How big was Anomalipes?
Anomalipes was a relatively small theropod, estimated to be about 1 metre tall at the hip and approximately 2 metres in total length. It likely weighed around 25 kilograms, making it similar in size to a large dog.
When did Anomalipes live?
Anomalipes lived during the
Late Cretaceous period, specifically around 83.6 million years ago. This places it in the middle part of the Late Cretaceous, when dinosaurs were at their peak diversity.
Where was Anomalipes found?
Anomalipes was discovered in China, specifically in the Wangshi Group rock formations of Shandong Province. This region has yielded many important dinosaur fossils from the
Late Cretaceous period.
How do you pronounce Anomalipes?
Anomalipes is pronounced 'ah-NOM-ah-lie-peez', with the emphasis on the second syllable. The name comes from Greek and Latin roots meaning 'unusual foot'.
What does Anomalipes mean?
Anomalipes means 'unusual foot' in reference to the distinctive characteristics observed in the dinosaur's hindlimb bones. The name reflects the unique features that distinguished it from other theropod dinosaurs.
How fast could Anomalipes run?
The running speed of Anomalipes is not known, as it's based on very limited fossil material. However, as a small, bipedal theropod, it was likely quite agile and capable of swift movement when needed.
What type of dinosaur was Anomalipes?
Anomalipes was a theropod dinosaur, specifically belonging to the family Caenagnathidae. Theropods were typically bipedal dinosaurs, and this group included both carnivorous and omnivorous species.
Was Anomalipes related to birds?
Yes, as a theropod dinosaur, Anomalipes was part of the group that gave rise to modern birds. All theropods share a closer evolutionary relationship with birds than with other dinosaur groups, making Anomalipes a distant relative of today's birds.
How many Anomalipes fossils have been found?
Very few Anomalipes fossils have been discovered - the dinosaur is known only from a partial hindlimb that represents the single specimen used to describe the species. This makes it one of the more incompletely known dinosaurs from China.
