Limusaurus Dinosaur is an extinct genus of dinosaur from the Middle–Late Jurassic Period of what is now China. It is the only known member of the family Limusauridae. It lived approximately 153-168 million years ago, and is known from several complete skeletons found in the Junggar Basin of Xinjiang, western China. Limusaurus was a small to medium-sized theropod that measured approximately 2 meters (7 ft) in length.
Its vertebrae were wide and heavily built, and it had a medium-length tail which was most likely used for balance while walking or running. The arms of Limusaurus were short, with two hands each containing four digits, similar to other theropods. Unlike other theropods however, the innermost finger of each hand was not opposable, and had a sharp, curved claw.
Limusaurus Facts :
| Name: | Limusaurus Dinosaurs |
| Size: | 2 meters |
| Main Facts: | Limusaurus is an extinct genus of dinosaur from the Middle–Late Jurassic Period of what is now China. |
The legs of Limusaurus were longer than its arms, and the feet were equipped with three toes each with a curved claw. It had long, slender digits on its feet, and its gait was estimated to be intermediate between that of a fast runner and a walker. This intermediate form of locomotion makes Limusaurus the first known intermediate dinosaur. The skull of Limusaurus was relatively larger than other theropods, and its eyes were positioned low on the sides of the head.
Limusaurus was one of the first theropods to evolve the loss of its second and third toe claws, and like all other theropods, it had a short, wide pelvis and short hindlimbs. The tail was medium in length and stiffened with bony processes known as chevrons. These features may have been necessary to keep the animals balanced while walking or running, as previously suggested in other theropod species. Limusaurus is unique among theropods in having lost the fourth finger and gained additional digits on the feet.
