Troodon Facts
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Height | 1m |
| Length | 2.4m |
| Weight | 50 kg |
| Speed | 40 km/h |
| Environment | Land |
| Era | Cretaceous |
| Period | Late Cretaceous |
| Type | Theropod |
| Location | North America |

| Diet | Omnivore |
| Height | 1m |
| Length | 2.4m |
| Weight | 50 kg |
| Speed | 40 km/h |
| Environment | Land |
| Era | Cretaceous |
| Period | Late Cretaceous |
| Type | Theropod |
| Location | North America |
Troodon was a small, intelligent theropod dinosaur that lived during the Late Cretaceous period, between 83.6 and 72.2 million years ago. First discovered in Montana in 1855, it was among the earliest dinosaurs found in North America, though initially mistaken for a lizard until 1877. However, Troodon remains one of palaeontology's most controversial genera due to the fragmentary nature of the original fossil evidence.
This bird-like theropod stood about 1 metre tall at the hip and measured approximately 2.4 metres in length. Troodon possessed distinctively large eyes relative to its skull size, suggesting excellent vision, possibly adapted for nocturnal hunting. Its brain was proportionally large compared to other dinosaurs of similar size, leading scientists to consider it one of the most intelligent dinosaurs. The creature's slender build and long legs indicate it was built for speed and agility.
Troodon was likely an omnivore, with its distinctive serrated teeth being capable of processing both meat and plant material. Evidence suggests it may have fed on small mammals, birds, fish, and various vegetation. The dinosaur's hands featured sharp, curved claws that would have been useful for grasping prey or manipulating food items.
The genus remains scientifically problematic, as the original specimens consist mainly of isolated teeth and fragmentary bones. Many species once attributed to Troodon have since been reclassified into separate genera, making it a classic example of a nomen dubium in palaeontology.
Troodon was characterised by unusually large eyes for its body size, suggesting keen eyesight, and distinctively serrated teeth that were suitable for processing both meat and plant matter. It had a relatively large brain case compared to other dinosaurs of similar size, and long, slender legs built for speed.
Troodon likely hunted during twilight or nighttime hours, using its exceptional eyesight to locate prey in low-light conditions. Evidence suggests it may have been capable of complex behaviours due to its relatively large brain, possibly including sophisticated hunting strategies and social interactions.
Troodon has appeared in several documentaries about intelligent dinosaurs and features in various dinosaur-themed video games, often portrayed as a cunning, night-hunting predator.
Troodon was first described by Joseph Leidy in 1856. The original fossils were discovered at Judith River Formation, Montana, USA.