Oviraptor Dinosaur Egg Fossil

Description

Oviraptor Dinosaur Egg Fossil Replica measures 6 inches. Oviraptor Dinosaur Egg Fossil  is museum quality polyurethane cast. Made in USA. Oviraptor philoceratops is the scientific name. Our precise egg can be used as a teaching tool, museum egg exhibit, home décor, or office décor.

Oviraptor or Oviraptor philoceratops is a genus of small Mongolian theropod dinosaurs. Its name is Latin for ‘egg taker’ or “egg seizer”, referring to the fact that the first fossil specimen was discovered atop a pile of what was thought to be Protoceratops eggs, and the specific name philoceratops means “lover of ceratopsians”, also given as a result of this find.

Oviraptor or Oviraptor philoceratops lived in the late Cretaceous period, during the late Campanian stage about 75 million years ago. Oviraptor philoceratops is known from a single partial skeleton (specimen number AMNH 6517), as well as a nest of about fifteen eggs that have been referred to this species (AMNH 6508).

Oviraptor or Oviraptor philoceratops was one of the most bird-like of the non-Avian theropod dinosaurs. Its rib cage, in particular, displayed several features that are typical of birds, including a set of processes on each rib that would have kept the rib cage rigid.

A relative of Oviraptor called Nomingia was found with a pygostyle, which is a set of fused vertebrae that would later help support the tail feathers of birds.

Skin impressions from more primitive oviraptorosaurs, like Caudipteryx and Protarchaeopteryx, clearly show an extensive covering of feathers on the body, feathered wings, and feathered tail fans. A tail fan is also indicated by the presence of a pygostyle in Nomingia, suggesting that this feature was widespread among oviraptorosaurs.

Additionally, the nesting position of the brooding Citipati specimens implies the use of feathered wings to cover the eggs. Given the close anatomical similarity between these species and Oviraptor or Oviraptor philoceratops, it is highly likely that Oviraptor had feathers as well.

The Oviraptor or Oviraptor philoceratops has two long, well developed hind limbs, each had three clawed fingers that were used to hold, rip and tear their prey. The Oviraptor had large eyes with bony rings and an unusual cranial crests along with a toothless beak.

Oviraptor Facts:

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Clade: Dinosauria
Clade: Saurischia
Clade: Theropoda
Family: †Oviraptoridae
Genus: †Oviraptor
Type species: †Oviraptor philoceratops
Conservation Status: Extinct

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